After a decade on the market, the Grand Cherokee is finally showing signs of life for a new generation. The big and only reveal at the moment is a new three-row version, called the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which raises the bar with the announcement of hands-free driving for 2022 and marks a solid step forward for FCA in the field of SUVs. big.
Its design takes up many of the lines seen in the Grand Wagoneer Concept, and although the function of the prototype was not to anticipate the arrival of the Grand Cherokee L, but rather the return of the Grand Wagoneer this year, the shared genetics ended up setting the course with headlights and slimmer LED skulls, the classic seven-bar grille and chrome accents throughout.
The Grand Cherokee L increases its wheelbase to 3,091 mm and reaches an overall length of 5,204 mm. It is larger than the current Grand Cherokee to fit a third row of seats and accommodate six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration selected. The trunk ranges from 484 to 2,395 liters, depending on the seats that fold down.
High-end equipment and hands-free operation technology
As one of the higher-end models in the Jeep portfolio, the new Grand Cherokee L will offer a level of equipment worthy of a luxury vehicle. Throughout the range it will offer fabric or leather upholstery, wheels up to 20 “, 19-speaker McIntosh sound, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, UConnect infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8.4″ to 10.1 screen “and digital instrument panel.
In the US there will be four trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit.
Old acquaintances under the hood
Despite the innovation that the Grand Cherokee L represents in terms of design, technology and finishes, Jeep decided not to go for new powertrains. The mechanical offering consists of the well-known 290-hp, 257-lb-ft, 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar blocks and the 357-hp, 390-lb-ft 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Both are with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive option.
Like a good Jeep, off-road capabilities were not neglected. Two off-road levels are offered for the all-wheel-drive versions. Quadra-Trac I includes a permanent AWD single speed and traction transfer case; Quadra-Trac II, on the other hand, adds an electronic limited-slip differential and gearbox.
Its monocoque platform is brand new and has not been used in any other Jeep.
The Quadra-Lift air suspension offers 210mm of ground clearance in its normal configuration, but depending on the off-road program selected, it can go an additional 40-61mm. With Aero mode, on the other hand, it reduces the height 20 mm to improve performance and efficiency on the road and facilitate access to the parked vehicle.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L will be in Mexico this 2021
The new Jeep will arrive in the brand’s dealerships in the United States this spring, so we can expect it in Mexico during the second half of the year. Later, but still, in 2021, Jeep will unveil the renewal of the Grand Cherokee with two rows of seats, which must retain everything seen in the L version, but with a slightly smaller body.
When it hits the market, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L will compete against Chevrolet Tahoe, Dodge Durango, Toyota Sequoia and other large SUVs with three rows of seats and off-road capability. A plug-in hybrid variant is on the way, which suggests that it will also make the leap towards Europe.