2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Debuts With 3-Rows Of Seats, Striking Looks And Added Luxury

The veil has been lifted on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a luxurious new three-row variant that will be sold alongside the current two-row model.

As we expected, the exterior design of the Grand Cherokee L is quite a bit different than the Grand Cherokee we’re familiar with. For example, the front end bears a resemblance to the Grand Wagoneer concept with slim, horizontal headlights and a seven-slate grille. Depending on the trim level, there are also LED daytime running lights positioned low in the bumper.

Viewed from the side and the added length of the Grand Cherokee L becomes apparent. The wheelbase sits at 121.7 inches, meaning the SUV has a total length of 204.9 inches. Visible at the rear are slim taillights.

The inside of the Grand Cherokee L is radically different than the standard Grand Cherokee model. There’s an all-new dashboard that houses an 8.4-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen, both of which use the automaker’s latest UConnect 5 infotainment system and feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As standard, the SUV includes a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is configurable and can display a multitude of different information, including the vehicle’s night vision system.

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In extending the wheelbase and adding a third row of seats, there is 17.1 cubic-feet of space behind the third row with this figure jumping to 46.9 cubic-feet when the third row is folded flat. With the second row also folded flat, cargo space increases to 84.6 cubic-feet.

Four variants will be offered. These start with the Grand Cherokee L Laredo and landing as standard with a manually-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-speed audio system, the aforementioned 8.4-inch infotainment display, and 18-inch wheels. Next up is the Limited, arriving with leather upholstery, heated eight-way power driver’s seat, heated second row seats, nine-speaker Alpine audio system, foglights and optional 20-inch wheels.

Jeep will also sell the Grand Cherokee L in Overland and Summit forms. The first of these has 20-inch wheels as standard and also receives a two-speed active transfer case and an electronic limited-slip rear differential available with an off-road package. The Summit is positioned as the most luxurious version and includes cooled front- and second-row seats, memory and massage front seats, a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, Active Driving Assist, and a 10.1-inch infotainment display as standard.

Powertrain details are familiar. Sitting at the base of the range is the company’s Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine that is rated at 290 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque while there is also a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that is good for 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. Regardless of which engine customers choose, the SUV comes as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive is standard while four-wheel drive is an option.

Other key features a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension system that in standard mode, provides 8.3-inches of ground clearance. When the Off-Road 1 setting is enabled, the right height increases by 1.6 inches and then jumps by 2.4-inches with the Off-Road 2 setting. There’s also an Aero mode that drops the right height by 0.8 inches when compared to the normal setting.

A host of safety features come standard. These include an automatic emergency braking system, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist, to name a few. The aforementioned Active Driving Assistant that’s standard on the Summit model and optional for other variants, includes lane-centering and later this year will get a Hands-Free Active Driving Assistant system.

Jeep has yet to announce pricing details for the 2021 Grand Cherokee L.