2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review

Name: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review
Brand: Jeep
Price: 31292 USD

Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland 4dr SUV Exterior

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland 4dr SUV Exterior

+221

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies generous room for passengers in all three rows, and it outmatches competitors by a significant margin with its available off-road and towing capabilities. But there are problems with its on-road demeanor, and that makes the Grand Cherokee L a less livable three-row SUV than some of its rivals.

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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Impressive list of standard and optional advanced driver aids
Handsome interior design with roomy seating
Better off-road capability than most three-row SUVs
Stout towing capacity

Cons

Base V6 engine provides underwhelming acceleration
Confusing button layout
Poor outward visibility

What's new

The Grand Cherokee L is all-new for 2021
Three rows of seating
Interior filled with premium touches and tech features
2021 model kicks off the first Grand Cherokee L generation

Overview

Jeep last redesigned its Grand Cherokee for the 2011 model year, and this midsize SUV has started to show its age in the last few years. Specifically, it lacked many of the modern features offered by rivals such as the Honda Passport, Subaru Outback and Toyota Venza — all redesigned in the last few years. But now Jeep has finally dialed up a full redesign, and it starts with the 2021 Grand Cherokee L.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$198/mo

$254/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The L signifies that this model has three rows of seating, which is a new quality for the Grand Cherokee. A two-row Grand Cherokee will also come out, but not until 2022. Though the 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 engines are essentially carried over from the previous generation, just about everything else is new. Key enhancements include higher-quality cabin materials and the latest version of parent company Stellantis' infotainment system called Uconnect 5.

Available in six- and seven-seat configurations, the Grand Cherokee L features a second row that can slide 7 inches to make room for passengers in the back. The third row in some midsize SUVs can be cramped, but Jeep has done a nice job of making the Grand Cherokee L's third-row headroom and legroom roomy enough for 6-footers.

Overall, we like how the Grand Cherokee L brings Jeep's rugged ethos to a class of crossover SUVs usually focused on functional family transportation. But it also has some usability issues that might give you pause. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's take on how the Grand Cherokee L stacks up.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.5

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Grand Cherokee L drive? We tested the Grand Cherokee L with its base 3.6-liter V6 engine (Jeep offers its muscular 5.7-liter V8 engine in top trims). The V6 is a likable enough engine on its own, but it often feels overworked in a vehicle this big. At Edmunds' test track, our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, which is slow for the class. We also have reservations about the light, loose steering feel and lack of feedback from the brake pedal. Upsides include smooth shifts through all eight gears of the automatic transmission that contribute to a comfortable and relaxed driving experience.

Of course, this is a Jeep. And though there's only so much capability you can have with a three-row SUV that's 17 feet long, the Grand Cherokee makes the most of what it has. The four-wheel-drive system helps make the most out of slippery situations. This isn't quite a Range Rover, but it'll get you farther into the woods than most other seven-passenger SUVs.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Grand Cherokee L? Comfort is a strong suit of the Grand Cherokee L. Its long wheelbase and optional air suspension create a cushy ride that absorbs bumps in the road before they make it to passengers inside. It does this without feeling floaty or losing its composure. The leather seats in our Summit test vehicle also proved impressive, with an available massage function in the front row and pleasing comfort in the second and third rows.

This big SUV can't keep noise out of the cabin the way it does with bumps in the road, however. We noticed more wind noise at highway speeds than we expect from this class, and the V6 engine was loud and sounded unpleasant when pushed.

Interior

7.0/10

How’s the interior? There is loads of space inside the Grand Cherokee L. The front row seats should fit drivers of all sizes, and there's comfortable space for passengers up to 6 feet tall in both the second and third rows. Unfortunately it's a bit of a hike to get inside due to the vehicle's tall ride height, though a helpful tilt-and-slide second row allows for easy access to the third-row seating.

Two big red flags occur up front. First, the controls are swathed in glossy piano black plastic. It easily shows grease smudges and feels more like economy car equipment to the touch. Second, dials are small and hard to grab, while buttons are positioned at strange angles or blocked completely by other controls, which makes operation a frustrating experience. We also noted poor forward visibility because of the Jeep's protruding hood, large pillars, and mass of cameras and radar equipment that take up available windshield space.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? The Grand Cherokee L is available with Uconnect 5, the latest infotainment system from parent company Stellantis. It has crisp graphics, and the available integrated navigation system provides helpful turn-by-turn route instructions. Unfortunately, the screen is angled upwards and easily reflects glare from direct sunlight. Our test vehicle had the optional 19-speaker McIntosh surround-sound system, but we were left underwhelmed, especially considering the system's cost.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard, though our test vehicle dropped a call while using CarPlay and the system disconnected two other times without warning. That doesn't often happen in other vehicles with the same technology. We do like the Grand Cherokee L's advanced driver aids. The adaptive cruise control brakes and accelerates smoothly, for instance, and the lane keeping system works great to keep this big SUV where it should be.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? The Grand Cherokee L trails some three-row rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas in maximum cargo capacity. Its 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row is usable enough for everyday tasks, but the load floor is rather high. Storage for small items is ample, with plenty of cupholders and spacious center console bins in the first and second rows. But we were a bit puzzled why our test vehicle did not have child seat anchors in the third-row cushions.

The Grand Cherokee L offers strong towing capability. It easily outpaces rivals with a 6,200-pound maximum capacity with the V6 and 7,200 pounds with the V8.

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Grand Cherokee L with 4WD and V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, which is average for a midsize three-row SUV. Our test vehicle returned 20.5 mpg on our standardized evaluation route, indicating the EPA estimate should be achievable in real-world driving. Opt for the V8 and you take a hit, however. It's 4WD only and has an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined.

Value

6.5/10

Is the Grand Cherokee L a good value? Jeep aimed to position the Grand Cherokee L as an every person's SUV with features reserved for luxury vehicles. But instead, it's priced too much like a luxury vehicle. The Grand Cherokee L has a higher starting price than its closest rivals, and it only includes or offers its finest features at more than what you'd pay for a comparable Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. In those higher trims, the Grand Cherokee L is essentially a luxury SUV — a distinction that it isn't quite cut out for.

We found several issues with the build quality of our test vehicle, whether it was cheap-feeling plastic or an entire center tunnel panel that couldn't withstand a light stress test. The cabin is also awash with glossy piano black surfaces that smudge and glare in sunlight.

Wildcard

8.0/10

Anything wearing a Jeep badge comes with style and charisma. However, in the Grand Cherokee L, it's style and charisma tailored to a very specific kind of owner. This SUV excels in towing and off-road ability, particularly when equipped with the large (and costly) V8 engine. Lower trim levels, however, don't exhibit the same kind of bravado and lack the user-friendliness that we expect from vehicles in this class. It's big, it's brash, it's a Jeep. But that doesn't make it a great family vehicle.

Which Grand Cherokee L does Edmunds recommend?

The Grand Cherokee L can quickly become expensive, so our choice is the Limited 4x4 model for its inclusion of standard amenities at a reasonable price. It adds leather seats and a host of interior and exterior lighting upgrades, plus a helpful power liftgate. In its four-wheel-drive configuration, the standard traction management settings will come in handy on adventurous family weekends.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L models

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a midsize SUV with three rows of seats for six or seven passengers. Trim levels include the Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit. All come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine good for 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. A 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft is optional on the Overland and Summit trims. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is optional on all trims.

Laredo
Highlights of the base model include:

LED headlights
18-inch wheels
Roof rails
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Sliding second-row captain's chairs
Proximity keyless entry and push-button start

Standard technology features and driver aids include:

10.25-inch driver information display
8.4-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
Six-speaker stereo system
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Limited
Upgraded standard features in this trim include:

LED foglights
Remote start
Ambient lighting
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Heated front and second-row seats
Heated steering wheel
Power liftgate
Terrain management system with five settings (4WD models)

Overland
Both more plush and more rugged, the Overland adds:

Adaptive air suspension with selectable ride height settings (4WD models)
Hill descent control (4WD models)
Front tow hooks
20-inch wheels
Hands-free liftgate
Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Ambient cabin lighting
Ventilated front seats
Premium leather upholstery
Power-folding third row of seats
Navigation system
Nine-speaker stereo system

Summit
The top-level Grand Cherokee L comes with:

Gloss black roof
10.1-inch touchscreen
Upgraded front seats with massage function
Four-zone automatic climate control
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Grand Cherokee L and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Electronic limited-slip rear differential (4WD models only)

Many features found on the higher trim levels can be added to the supporting trims as options.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

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2.5

112 reviews

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Looks great and is great until its not

California Driver, 12/16/2021

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I purchased this vehicle in September 2021. One month after driving it I had an electronic steering wheel warning message. The dealership had my brand new car for over a month and said the resolved the issue by replacing the electronic steering system.... fast forward one week and the error message is back and there is recall for the air bag system not working. I am now in the process of …

Beautiful vehicle with excessive issues

Unhappy jeep customer, 12/15/2021

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

After purchasing my vehicle 3 months ago I am extremely disappointed in the number of recalls in a short amount of time. 1st recall was for a radio issue of which was not effecting my vehicle, but they insisted it needed to be corrected. Ever since I have had issues with my blinkers, the radio going black sporatically and now a recall for airbags. The vehicle has been in the dealership …

First Review

Amy M, 10/27/2021

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I bought my 2021 Grand Cherokee L - Overland edition- less then two weeks ago. It had 158 miles on it. Was loving it until today when I left my house the car started acting strange and not shifting down...granted I was only on a road doing 25 mph. The next stop sign- I stopped and proceeded and the car seemed like something was going on. I pulled over turned the car off and turned it …

Unsafe to drive

NeverJeepAgain, 11/21/2021

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I really want to love this car. I got a fully loaded Summit Reserve and liked all of the features. Unfortunately, in a month of owning the car, it has almost spent more time in the shop than on the road. I cannot drive it anymore because it will shift into park and every electronic system fails, it has taken anywhere from 4-minutes to 15-minutes to get it restarted while I have …

See all 112 reviews of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L

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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L video

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review | A Long Overdue Three-Row Redesign of Jeep's Popular Midsize SUV

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most versatile SUVs on the market. The Grand Cherokee not only is one of the more capable off-road SUVs, but it also has the space and comfort that buyers covet from a midsize SUV. Alas, the decade-old design has shown its age, and the Grand…

2021 Grand Cherokee L Highlights

Trim:

Laredo

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$198/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Grand Cherokee L models:

Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot.
Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist: Steers the vehicle into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention.
Hands-free Active Driving Assist: Combines adaptive cruise control and automatic lane-centering to operate the vehicle at any speed with little or no driver intervention.

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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Grand Cherokee L does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Looks great and is great until its not

Beautiful vehicle with excessive issues

First Review

Unsafe to drive

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L video

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review | A Long Overdue Three-Row Redesign of Jeep's Popular Midsize SUV

2021 Grand Cherokee L Highlights

Safety

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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Grand Cherokee L does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Looks great and is great until its not

Beautiful vehicle with excessive issues

First Review

Unsafe to drive

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L video

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review | A Long Overdue Three-Row Redesign of Jeep's Popular Midsize SUV

2021 Grand Cherokee L Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Jeep

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}