The 2023 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.
Minor changes to standard and optional equipment availability
Part of the first Grand Cherokee L generation introduced for 2021
What is the Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
Ever wish your Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a third row? Or that it could store more stuff on the way to the lake, tailgate or airport? Great news: Jeep will now sell you a different yet staggeringly similar vehicle. The Grand Cherokee L comes with a 121.7-inch wheelbase, allowing for a third row and the same suite of features buyers enjoy on the Grand Cherokee.
Does that come with trade-offs? Sure! We think the V6 engine is a little underwhelming and outward visibility is poor, but the SUV remains one of the more off-road capable in the category. Don't expect major changes for the 2023 model year given the vehicle's relative newness — the L was introduced in 2021 and the Grand Cherokee was recently redesigned.
And it is a stout category. The Grand Cherokee L faces off against the Edmunds Top Rated SUV, the Kia Telluride, and other tough customers including the Hyundai Palisade and the Honda Pilot. Jeep added optional technology packages for the 2022 model year, and while there were whispers of a Trailhawk trim for 2023 they've remained just that — whispers.
Edmunds says
We like the Grand Cherokee L's interior styling and towing capacity, but without some upgrades to make it more livable day to day, it's destined to sit at the back of the pack in a tough category.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
TL;DR-Mom loves it, Dad loves it, the kids love it.
For those who want the full version, here we go.
Mom and Dads who need the 3rd row but don’t want to drop $85k on a bloated Tahoe or, and more importantly, can’t bring themselves down to the minivan, hear me! Btw if you’re reading this and don’t have kids get out of here, why are you even here? The regular grand Cherokee will haul your … dogs just fine, this is ours.
We had a 2018 grand Cherokee from our 1 child days, back when one kids crap could fit into anything. Fast forward to today, the crotch goblins have doubled and so has the required supplies. One faces forward and can grab the back of my neck while I’m driving. The other one faces backwards so I can’t see what the heck it’s doing, but it’s usually trying to choke on something. Add my tired (but still beautiful) wife to the passenger seat, and it’s a tight ride.
We rented a 2023 Durango R/T for a week and took a road trip to Disneyland, because we apparently hate our sanity. The Durango was a godsend (I swear I’m gonna get to the Jeep). All the room we could ever need. The oldest was banished to the 3rd row, the 2nd row captains chairs allowed my wife to comfortably sit in the back and soothe the demon spawn. And there was plenty of room for all the junk that had to come with. It was amazing. We got back home and put the car seats back in the 2018. The next day we went car hunting. Once you have a taste of the 6 year old not being within its arms reach you can’t go back.
Durango was #1 on our list, but the Kia Telluride had better reviews. Drove the Kia, felt small and cheap. It felt like it was a minivan pretending not to be a minivan. I don’t know where all the hype came from, I didn’t see it. Especially when I got torque steer during the test drive (not insulting intelligence, but that’s when you give a front wheel drive car the beans and it pulls to the right). You want $50k for a front wheel drive imposter SUV? Nah
We have a Jeep. We like the Jeep. Jeep saved wife’s life when she got t-boned. Let’s go look at a Jeep.
We made it. Enter the 2023 Grand Cherokee L. There was one Jeep with 2nd row bucket seats (wife only wanted the bucket seat). It’s a limited 4x4 in a blackish browish green kinda color. It’s actually beautiful. And inside is even better. 3rd row for permanent exhale for the 6 year old. Heck, I, a 6-00 200lbs man fit comfortably. Baby cam to watch the other terrorist. 10 inch TVs in the back of the front row seats that you can monitor on the whatever inch gigantic screen up front. 4x4 so I still feel like a man, and can actually go places with decent ground clearance. When it’s not in 4wd, it’s rear wheel drive, like god intended. The interior is just beautiful, and it’s comfortable to drive. No, it’s not gonna win any races, if you want speed get the Durango, which isn’t even that fast anyways. Your speed days are done regardless, so who cares. It still gets up and goes better than a 4Runner so good there.
I’ve put a few hundred miles on it, so far none of the day 1/week 1 problems. I love this Jeep, I think they nailed it. I’ll do an update in 6 months or so, or if any problems arise.
Thanks for reading my 1700 word wish.com version of Ted talk.
Junk Jeep
1 out of 5 stars
Dude, 06/26/2023
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
The first one I bought had to be returned. It was an electrical system nightmare. The first 2k miles of lights going out on the dash. Alert systems alerting at ghosts...ect... The SECOND one (that's right, they gave me a brand new one because the first was such a nightmare), it has been in for service 6 times in the 1st 25k. Similar electronic issues. Glitches, engine lights coming on, … screens going out, ect... I would recommend NOT ever buying this vehicle. They are very shiny and cool looking with lots of bells and whistles, however they are not reliable.
2023 Jeep GC L Summit Reserve V8 is terrific
5 out of 5 stars
Cap’n Jack, 08/22/2023
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
Wow
Fantastic vehicle. Did not have the issues others posted about. Currently 5000+ miles on her. Very hesitant after reading posts here but our family is so glad we did. We traded in a 2021 BMW M50i which was a nightmare to get into the third row. Hit the wrong button and you’re in a Major waiting game. Jeeps system is much better. V8 is a must. We drove the six cylinder and it’s … underwhelming at best. Love the night vision for deer in PA. McIntosh system is terrific. Massage seats are so much better than the BMW and Mercedes we owned before it. Ours is fully loaded with exception of rear entertainment and high alt pkg. Factory running boards look and work great. Wireless charging of iPhone works great. BMW’s was dismal. We get many compliments on this Summit reserve model. The only thing we miss are heated and cooled cup holders & soft close doors.
Would love to see the hybrid power train next in this vehicle. Highly recommend.
Great road trip SUV
4 out of 5 stars
2023 GCL, 12/03/2023
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
Mine is a 2023 Grand Cherokee L.
I will start with the negatives. The 3.6 L V6 is adequate. The Uconnect system randomly reboots itself while driving. This is a nitpick, but the doors feel hollow when you close them.
The positives: The Limited L comes standard with Captain’s Chairs, and my two kids love those seats, The transmission is great, making up for the just adequate V6. … The front seats are incredibly comfortable over long distances. The Limited comes with front and rear heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Unlike most other SUVs, there’s no giant display sticking up from the dash. The display is elegantly integrated into the center of the dash. The chassis feels very solid, with no flex when driving over railroad tracks or rough roads. All three rows have air vents, and USB A and C slots. The second row has its own HVAC controls.
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