2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Debuts With Three Rows of Seats
Jeep is ringing in the new year and kicking off the launch of the next-generation Grand Cherokee with a new three-row variant. Meet the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L!
According to the company, this was a request made by many customers all across North America, especially large families.
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Of course, adding a third row meant stretching the Grand Cherokee quite a bit. But don’t look for the same body-on-frame construction as the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The Grand Cherokee L rides on a brand new unibody structure.
A More Premium SUV
Jeep president Christian Meunier says the new 2021 Grand Cherokee L is a more premium SUV with extra luxury and improved safety. The interior does look much more opulent, with a design that’s decidedly modern and attractive.
Fit and finish is improved, too, while content is more generous. Notable features include an electronically controlled air suspension, massaging seats, multi-zone climate control, genuine wood inserts and even night vision technology.
Hybrid Variant on the Way
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is powered by either a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 or a 5.7-litre HEMI V8. The former generates 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque, while the latter increases those numbers to 357 and 390, respectively. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 6,200 pounds with the V6 and 7,200 pounds with the V8. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Prior to the presentation, Jeep confirmed to The Car Guide that a plug-in hybrid variant called Grand Cherokee 4xe will join the lineup at a later date, following in the footsteps of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
When it comes to four-wheel drive capability, the base system is an automatic type with electronic assist, while customers looking for better off-road performance can opt for a system that includes a two-speed transfer case.
Also available are a limited-slip rear differential and a more sophisticated traction control system allowing the SUV to anticipate certain actions and respond more quickly and effectively.
Customizable Infotainment
Blessed with the all-new Uconnect 5 infotainment system (the most advanced Uconnect system ever), the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Customers with Alexa-enabled devices at home can easily ask the assistant to start the vehicle, lock/unlock the doors and do other stuff remotely.
The standard display size is 8.4 inches, but there’s a 10.1-inch screen available, as well. Drivers can build and save their own profile (up to five), featuring preferences for vehicle operation, seat position, entertainment and more, and rearrange the various menus to their liking.
Uconnect was already one of the most intuitive interfaces in the auto industry. Now, with the ability to customize almost everything, the experience promises to be even more user-friendly.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will go on sale in the second quarter of 2021 starting at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $52,495 (plus $1,895 destination). The five-passenger version of the next-generation Grand Cherokee will be revealed later in 2021. Same thing for the Grand Cherokee 4xe.