Jeep Unveils All-New 2021 Grand Cherokee
Jeep has unveiled the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the automaker announced, which for the first time ever, has seating for six or seven.
“When you set out to reimagine an SUV as beloved as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, building on its nearly 30-year legacy as an overachiever is paramount to every decision that is made,” said Christian Meunier, Global President of Jeep Brand – FCA. “With that legacy guiding the Jeep team, the new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is crafted to exceed expectations and do what no other SUV can do: deliver legendary Jeep 4×4 off-road capability blended with superior on-road manners. It is built on an all-new architecture and wrapped in a stunning new design that honors its iconic Jeep design heritage, while also extending to accommodate a third row to meet the growing needs of our Jeep customers who have asked for more space and functionality. The Grand Cherokee L truly stands out in its segment and continues to raise the bar in capability, performance and luxury, while also breaking new ground in versatility and functionality.”
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is equipped with Jeep’s 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II), Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management system and features an all-new architecture and sculpted aerodynamic body style.
Built at the new Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack Plant, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will arrive in Jeep dealerships in the second quarter of 2021 and will be available in four different trim configurations – Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee two-row and its 4xe electrified version are scheduled to start production at the Mack Assembly Plant later in 2021.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L delivers improved off-road capability begins courtesy of three 4×4 systems – Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip-differential (eLSD). All three systems are equipped with an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to work with the wheel with the most grip.
The Quadra-Trac I single-speed active transfer case and Quadra-Trac II’s two-speed active transfer case with low-range gear reduction uses input from multiple sensors in the vehicle to pre-emptively adjust torque distribution and will continue to reactively make corrections if tire slip occurs.
Quadra-Drive II, with a two-speed active transfer case and rear eLSD, delivers tractive capability. The system detects tire slip and smoothly reacts distributing engine torque to tires with traction.
The Cherokee is equipped with Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension, now with electronic adaptive damping. The system automatically adjusts the shock tuning to changing road conditions for enhanced comfort, stability and control.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s Quadra-Lift system operates automatically, or may be controlled manually with console controls, and features five height settings.
With the available Quadra-Lift air suspension, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L features a 30.1-degree approach angle, a 23.6-degree departure angle and 22.6-degree breakover angle.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L also features the Selec-Terrain traction management system, which lets the driver choose the on- and off-road setting for optimum 4×4 performance. This feature electronically coordinates up to six different powertrains, 4×4 torque split, braking and handling, steering and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case and traction control, stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and steering feel. The Selec-Terrain system offers five available terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand) to provide optimized calibrations for any given driving scenario.
When equipped with the available Off-Road Group, the Trail Rated Overland 4×4 model also includes high-strength steel skid plates, electronic limited-slip differential rear axle, 18-inch aluminum wheels and rugged, all-season performance tires.
The all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is built with a new unibody design. The use of lightweight, high-strength aluminum closures, including the hood and tailgate, help reduce weight and boost fuel economy. The Jeep engineering team reduced weight by mounting the axle directly to the engine, along with a solid-mounted aluminum front cradle, aluminum engine mounts and steering gear, a magnesium cross-car beam, aluminum shock towers and an all-new electronic master brake booster system.
The all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers buyers a choice of two engines.
Standard is the all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 290 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel-saving engine stop-start (ESS) technology is standard on the Pentastar V-6. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is rated for a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds and an estimated class-leading driving range of nearly 500 miles.
Buyers who want more power can opt for the 5.7-liter V-8, rated at 357 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque delivered over a broad powerband. The V-8, with a foundation of a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, delivers performance and efficiency with VVT and Fuel Saver Technology (cylinder deactivation). The 5.7-liter V-8 has a class-leading towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.
Each engine mates to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
New for the 2021 Grand Cherokee L 4×4 is front axle disconnect. If the vehicle senses that road conditions do not require all-wheel drive, the front axle disconnect automatically places the Grand Cherokee L in two-wheel drive, reducing drag on the driveline and improving fuel economy. Four-wheel drive automatically re-engages when the vehicle senses it is needed.
Exterior Design
“The Jeep design team envisioned a modern aesthetic for the all-new 2021 Grand Cherokee L – they worked to sculpt it down and gave it a clean and updated premium appearance tailored for today’s customer,” said Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Exterior Design, FCA. “The design for the first-ever three-row Grand Cherokee pays respect to its heritage and honors its utilitarian roots. The results reflect its premium characteristics, contemporary style and legendary capability that has defined the Grand Cherokee since its inception.”
The proportion of the all-new Grand Cherokee L was inspired by the original Wagoneer, first full-size luxury SUV from Jeep. Grand Cherokee L’s profile features a longer hood and cab. A forward-tipped grille further enhances the length of the hood and gives a respectful nod to Wagoneer’s design, Jeep said. A lowered, tapered roof improves aerodynamic performance and efficiency without sacrificing its cargo spaciousness and utility.
All-new slim LED headlights are the primary focal point and accentuate the technical character of the vehicle. The signature seven-slot grille has been updated to be wider with larger individual openings and is outlined in trim that underscores its advanced lighting and emphasizes the width of the vehicle. Below the grille, the new front fascia is proportionally larger than previous generations, designed for function while keeping the competitive approach angle. The larger opening with textural elements conceals an all-new, long-range radar component and other advanced technology features, including active grille shutters, to help improve on-road performance and fuel efficiency.
From the side, a lowered beltline and expansive glass allow for a more spacious cabin and increased visibility. The roofline appears to float courtesy of a new window molding design that begins at the base of the side mirror and travels continuously to the rear quarter window and to the base of the back light. This trim treatment stands out even more when selecting the Gloss Black roof, which is available for the first time on Overland models and comes standard on Summit models. A new roof rack design consists of a singular side rail cap.
A widened track (36mm increase) expands the Grand Cherokee L’s stance. The tires are flush with the body arches and, for the first time on a Grand Cherokee, 21-inch wheels come standard with the Summit Reserve Package.
New vertical-pillar spoilers added to the tailgate help reduce on-road drag. A rearview camera with washer is mounted into the tailgate spoiler, which also features a new LED center high-mounted stop lamp. Other rear elements, including a standard integrated tow hitch cover and fascia-mounted exhaust tips, provide a finished, custom look. Overland and Summit models come standard with a hands-free, foot-activated power liftgate.
Interior Design
The interior of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L features a new layout. The instrument panel has been proportioned and angled while a horizontal applique runs the entire length of the front panel. A structural metal trim stretches the length of the panel and sweeps upward to offset new slim HVAC vents. The trim frames a sculpted natural wood accent, which is offered in open-pore Absolute Oak on Summit and open-pore Waxed Walnut on the Summit Reserve Package.
The vehicle is equipped with a 10.1-inch display for the new Uconnect 5 system. Also new is a 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster with nearly two dozen different menus from which the user can select, including driver-assist technologies. To control the digital cluster, the Grand Cherokee L features an all-new multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters. Summit models come standard with a leather-wrapped Absolute Oak steering wheel, and the Summit Reserve Package adds Waxed Walnut wood accents.
The console has an all-new layout and is highlighted by an all-new drive control center with a backlit, metal rotary shifter that delivers haptic feedback when engaged. The shifter is flanked by the ride height and Selec-Terrain switches. New streamlined cup holders allow for more space and storage in the front bin, which can hold two wireless devices and features an optional wireless charger that can charge two devices simultaneously.
An all-new Jeep seating architecture has been introduced on the Grand Cherokee L, featuring a length-adjustable cushion for the front row in Overland and Summit models, which is an FCA first. First-row seats with power 16-way adjustable position with memory and lumbar are available on Overland and standard on Summit. Seat back massage that includes five customizable profiles with three levels of pressure intensity is available on Overland and standard on Summit models. Heated seats in the first two rows, with three-level configurable controls for personalized passenger comfort, are standard on Limited models and above. Ventilated front-row seats are available on Limited and standard on Overland and Summit models. Ventilated seats in the second row come standard on the Summit Reserve Package.
In the rear cabin of Summit models, standard captain’s chairs flank a new second-row console that provides storage and cup holders. For all models, the rear cabin features soft armrests color-keyed to the leather seats, additional storage and cup holders, plus 12 USB Type A and Type C ports for wireless devices.
A full suite of all-new customizable interior LED lighting with daytime/nighttime settings is now standard on all models.
Grand Cherokee L introduces a new premium package, Summit Reserve, that includes premium hand-wrapped, quilted Palermo leather, ventilated front and second-row seats, memory and massage front seats and choice of a new Tupelo interior color. Also unique to the Summit Reserve Package is genuine open-pore Waxed Walnut wood and premium, wrapped, suede-like fabric on the A-pillars and headliner.
The McIntosh audio system is available on Overland and Summit models and comes standard with the Summit Reserve Package. The audio system features a 17-channel amplifier with a maximum output of 950 watts and 19 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer.
Overland and Summit models include the CommandView dual-pane sunroof with a power sunshade (available on Limited). The Laredo model features an available single-pane sunroof.
Among the standard safety features across the Grand Cherokee L lineup are:
- Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection
- Rear Cross Path detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Active Lane Management
- LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Advanced Brake Assist
- Blind-spot Monitoring
- ParkView rear back-up camera
- ParkSense rear park assist sensors with stop
- Switch-activated electric park brake
- Tire-pressure monitoring
