The Jeep Grand Cherokee L definitely stands out on the Jeep dealer lot. It’s an example of a mainstream nameplate climbing into luxury territory as the Jeep brand appears to be shifting toward something more than niche appeal. The Grand Cherokee L is probably the brand’s best foray into a serious mainstream SUV that leaps into luxury territory without abandoning any of the brand’s trail-rated reputation.
Eight Different Trim Levels and a Third Row
The Grand Cherokee L is the longer version of the regular Grand Cherokee. As such, it adds a third row of seating that the normal model doesn’t have. Both models come in eight different trim levels with loads of features and additional available options. For the purposes of this review, we’ll look at the Summit trim, which is one trim down from the top trim. The MSRP for the Grand Cherokee L Summit is $73,515.
The first thing that sticks out about this model is the posh interior. The front-row seats are particularly luxurious with adjustable bolstering, an extendable thigh cushion, fancy contrast stitching, and a massage setting. Complimenting the seats are striking touches like real wood trim and high-gloss surfaces.
The center controls feature a user-friendly blend of physical buttons and a large touchscreen interface. An optional piece of equipment is a passenger display that allows the person in the front passenger seat to control media, access navigation plans, or even hook up a gaming system.
Smooth Power and Performance
A 3.6-liter V6 is the base engine for every Grand Cherokee model, but there are a few optional engines. One is the 4xe hybrid powertrain that comes only in the normal Grand Cherokee, and then the 5.7-liter V8 that is available as an option for the Summit and Summit Reserve trims. Despite the additional power of the V8, the V6 engine feels nicely adequate at 293 horsepower.
However, the power is only part of the equation when it comes to the ride comfort and performance of this Jeep SUV. If you’re interested in a Jeep Grand Cherokee L, you absolutely must test drive one at your Jeep dealer to fully appreciate the sharp handling and smooth acceleration. Even the body roll of this large SUV is more than manageable, and it has excellent visibility.
Real Off-Road Ability
Most buyers know that the average family SUV might boast off-road ability and various off-road features, but the majority of models can’t back it up on anything more than the average unpaved road. The Summit trim features the Jeep Quadra-Trac II 4WD system. This semi-automatic system includes a two-speed transfer case and a limited-slip rear differential. It can send power to all wheels or just one wheel.
The Grand Cherokee L probably won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency, but 19.3 MPG combined for a large SUV isn’t bad. With the V8 engine and proper equipment, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L can tow up to 7,200 pounds.
To sum up, the Grand Cherokee L doesn’t have a lot of rivals at your Jeep dealer or elsewhere. Not many large SUVs can offer luxury, power, and real off-road ability, but the Grand Cherokee L does so easily.
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