- Grand Cherokee L is brand new for 2021.
- New 3-row seating for six or seven passengers.
- High level of off-road capability.
- Power comes from either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter V8.
- The top Summit Reserve model starts above $60,000.
- Cargo space ranges from 17.2 to 84.6 cubic feet.
- Pricing starts at $38,690 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Jeep Grand Cherokee L models for sale near you
The newest member of the Jeep family, the 2021 Grand Cherokee L is a 3-row midsize SUV with seating for six or seven passengers. But make no mistake. This is not a cushy boulevard cruiser. While the interior is luxurious (all trims but the base come with leather upholstery), beneath the comfort beats the off-road heart that makes Jeep a legend.
Power comes from either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter V8, although the latter earns an EPA combined rating of just 17 mpg.
Passenger Room and Comfort
The L is longer than a regular Grand Cherokee by 15.1 inches. The wheelbase stretches 7 inches over the standard model. The 2021 Grand Cherokee L’s three rows of seats feature second-row Captain’s chairs for 6-passenger seating or a bench that raises capacity to seven. Headroom is good, with 39.8 inches in the front row and 39.9 in the second, although its 30.3 inches of legroom in the third row, make it best suited for smaller adults or kids.
Cloth upholstery is standard in the base Laredo model, although all other trims get leather, and the top Summit model has perforated Nappa leather with quilted bolsters. The dash features a 10.25-inch digital gauge display and 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The base trim has a power driver seat, with upper trims getting heated front seats, and the top having Nappa leather and massaging front seats.
Features and Tech
Four trims of Grand Cherokee L start with a 3.6-liter V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic. The top Overland and Summit trims have the option of a 5.7-liter V8, which increases towing capacity from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds. Standard features in the base Laredo trim are a cloth interior, power driver seat, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and the UConnect 5 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and 12 USB ports. The safety suite in all trim levels includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
The Limited trim includes leather upholstery, heated power front seats, and the Selec-Terrain traction management system. It also features a heated steering wheel and remote start system.
The most aggressive off-road trim is the Overland, with the Quadra-Trac II transfer case boasting high- and low-range gearing, Quadra-Lift air suspension, hill-descent control, and tow hooks. Also included are a navigation system, dual-pane sunroof, roof rack, Nappa leather, and 9-speaker Alpine audio system. An available Off-Road group package adds an electronic limited-slip rear differential and underbody skidplates for added protection.
The top Summit adds a dual-range 4WD system, gloss-black roof, 4-zone automatic climate control, massaging front seats, and 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. Also included are a 360-degree surround-view camera and Active Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous driving feature.
Materials and Design
The first of the Cherokees to receive the new look, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintains the lean and rugged look of the Cherokee, with a long hood and low beltline. The front fascia has grown larger as well. Standard on the Summit trim and optional on the Overland is a gloss-black roof.
The interior look is sophisticated and hand-crafted. The instrument panel angles away from the driver, and the gauge display and 10.1-inch infotainment screen seamlessly integrate into the dash. The base has cloth seats, but upper trims get leather or Nappa leather upholstery. The Summit Reserve package on the top trim combines premium Palermo leather with open-pore walnut trim and a suede headliner.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Three rows of seats carry six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The 3-passenger rear bench splits 50/50 and folds flat to aid with cargo capacity. With the third row up, it offers 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third row flat, space expands to 46.9 cubic feet. Grand Cherokee L boasts 84.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows down. 
The Overland trim has a remote electric release to tip-and-slide the second-row captain’s chairs, and trims from Limited above have a powered liftgate.
More 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
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