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After quite a wait, we finally have a 5th-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.

This particular model is the Grand Cherokee L. That L means it’s longer than the standard Grand Cherokee. With its extra length, the L offers something new for the Grand Cherokee.

A 3rd row.

Honestly, it’s a fine space for an average adult like me.

After further investigation, no, the 3rd-row seats don’t recline. Bummer. Move up 1 row and you can slide and recline all you want. No surprise but in the 2nd row my 5’ 10” body fits with space to spare. 2nd-row captain’s chairs come standard but if you’d like seating for 7 you can opt for a 2nd-row bench.

To access the 3rd row, the 2nd row flips smartly forward enabling easy entry even with a car seat installed. Plus, there’s an integrated grab handle to make ingress even easier.
VO: For cargo hauling, there’s a decent 17.2 cu-ft behind the 3rd row. Drop ‘em for 46.9 cu-ft behind the 2nd row. Neither of those figures is best in class but they’re competitive.

Elsewhere the cabin offers generous door storage, plenty of cupholders, tons of USB A and USB C ports, and for models with 2nd-row captains chairs, a center console that flips forward for flat cargo loading.


From a quality perspective, I will say the interior feels exceptionally premium.

Of course, we’re driving the most elite Summit trim. But richness permeates most of the Grand Cherokee L range.

In fact, aside from the base Lerado, all trims get leather-appointed interiors.

On infotainment duty, there’s a standard 8.4-inch screen or this 10.1-inch unit as found on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

The interface works great, and Apple CarPlay activated with virtually no effort when I connected my phone. One interior complaint though. The buttons are shiny black plastic. Reflections make them virtually illegible.


Ok. Let’s discuss the driving experience. For propulsion, a 3.6-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission comes standard on all trims. The V6 is a carryover from the previous generation Grand Cherokee and, interestingly, its power figures have actually dropped slightly (290hp, 257 lb-ft)… though fuel economy remains the same as generation 4. (RWD 19city/26hwy, 4WD 18city/25hwy).


If you plan to tow, the V6 can handle up to 6,200 pounds. Move up to the optional 5.7L V8 and max tow capacity rises to 7,200 pounds. Note, the V8 is only offered on the two highest Grand Cherokee L trims. Here are the power stats (357hp, 390 lb-ft) And here are the fuel economy numbers. (4WD 14city/22hwy).

Yes, the V8 is only offered with 4WD

. Unsurprisingly, we’re driving the V8. Let’s see how she pulls. Ohh. Strong.

I should also mention the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid. Yes, that is the proper pronunciation for the “4xe” spelling. Annoyingly, Jeep hadn’t revealed any stats about the Grand Cherokee 4xe prior to making this video but, for perspective, the Wrangler 4xe can cover up to 25 miles using electricity alone.

For suburban driving, the Grand Cherokee’s suspension tuning, and noise management reflect a premium sensibility.

The steering offers little in the way of front tire information. But if you’re motivated the Grand Cherokee will hustle through corners. Good visibility.


Stick with the cheapest Grand Cherokee L Laredo trim and the MSRP sits around $37,000 not including a hefty $1,695 worth of destination charges. At that price, your L will come with LED headlights, a power driver seat, a 10-and-a-quarter inch digital gauge cluster, smart key access, and a full suite of active driver-assist tech. That suite includes features like automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.


Explore higher trims and you can add indulgences like the Select-Terrain drive mode system, an air suspension with active damping, remote releases for the 2nd-row seats, power-folding 3rd-row seats, a 360-degree camera system, a rear camera for observing 2nd and 3rd-row passengers, a hands-free power liftgate, and a swank Nappa leather interior on the Summit trim.

And I’m not sure when you’re viewing this, but Jeep should have a hands-free level 2 driver assist feature dubbed Active Driving Assist for the Grand Cherokee L by late 2021.

Among the many Grand Cherokee variants, one is missing though. The super off-road capable Trailhawk, at least as of when I voiced this voice-over.

No worries. I’m sure Jeep is wise enough to have a Trailhawk in the works.

Merge that emotional styling with the cabin’s heightened sophistication and Grand Cherokee generation 5 looks awfully compelling. Jeep, I’m looking forward to that Trailhawk.

00:00 Year Make Model
0:19 Exterior
1:27 Interior
2:50 Engine
4:38 Driving Impressions
6:50 Competitors