2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L brought an exciting new chapter to the Grand Cherokee lineup. For this model year, there were two distinct Grand Cherokees available. The first was the familiar five-passenger, two-row Grand Cherokee, awaiting a full redesign for 2022. The second was the brand-new, seven-passenger Grand Cherokee L, a longer version drawing from the soon-to-be-released 2022 redesign. Distinct from its predecessor, the 2021 Grand Cherokee L featured an extended-length design with a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. The seven-passenger configuration helped to answer the market demand for larger family vehicles. It boasted recognizable Jeep design cues, including the signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and standard lighting arrangements, giving it a robust and highly appealing visual identity. Its styling bore a close resemblance to the more premium Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, making it appear like a scaled-down version of those expensive full-size SUVs. Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee L in various trims including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Pricing spanned from $36,995 to $64,235, with a $1,695 destination charge. The test vehicle for this review was a Summit trim with four-wheel drive, metallic paint, several advanced tech groups, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system, bringing its cost to $64,770. At this price point, some interior materials underwhelmed, especially at such a scrutiny-demanding cost. Nevertheless, the Summit's quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and vast array of technologies represented a considerable upgrade over the old Grand Cherokee. It was a good example of Jeep's ongoing commitment to luxury and innovation. Compared to the 2021 Grand Cherokee L, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a two-row, five-passenger setup. The 2022 model felt familiar because it continued many of Jeep’s design traditions while drawing directly from the previous year's Grand Cherokee L's design philosophy. The 2022 Grand Cherokee streamlined and modernized the classic Jeep look. Tailored for those not needing the third row, the Grand Cherokee checked all necessary design boxes. It featured trim levels from Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, to Summit Reserve, with initial prices between $37,390 and $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The design cues such as the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches were all present. It also borrowed from Jeep’s rich heritage, including the 1963 Wagoneer—reflected in features like the forward-leaning grille, lowered and level beltline, and the distinctive angled rear roof pillars. The option for a black roof added a modern touch, while more exterior colors were promised later in the model year. With interiors closely mirroring the Grand Cherokee L, the 2022 model combined basic luxury even at the Laredo level with cloth seats, providing a surprising quality feel. At its most luxurious trim, the Summit Reserve, leather, massaging front seats, the McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof pushed its boundaries toward opulent territory. Despite some minor usability concerns with gloss black finishes on controls in higher trims, the overall appeal was undeniable.

Every 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came equipped with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, outputting 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems featuring fuel-saving front-axle disconnect technology. It carried a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and the EPA estimated a fuel economy of 21 mpg combined for this V6. For more power, a 5.7-liter V8 was available, producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This option raised the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reduced the fuel economy to a combined 17 mpg. With Summit trim, 4WD, and the V6 engine, our test vehicle felt brisk but reasonably loud under throttle. In Auto mode, the transmission was well-behaved but resisted downshifts to optimize fuel economy, averaging only 17.8 mpg on the test loop. Sport mode held revs too long, primarily improving ride control through the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension. The Selec-Terrain modes like Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, along with the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system equipped with an electronic locking differential, added off-road versatility. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance in Normal mode, the Quadra-Lift suspension raised the Jeep to 10.9 inches in Off-Road mode, granting 24 inches of water fording capacity. The Grand Cherokee L’s impressive off-road metrics made it a serious contender in rough terrains, especially the Overland model with the Off-Road Group boasting the only Trail Rated designation. On highways, the Grand Cherokee L offered a smooth and stout ride with a relatively quiet cabin, except under acceleration or heavy use of the air conditioning. The 2022 Grand Cherokee came with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, propelled either by the 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque or an optional 5.7-liter V8 providing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque for the higher trim levels with 4WD. The tow rating for both engines was 6,200 and 7,200 pounds respectively when properly equipped. Similar to the 2021 model, it featured three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I (automatic, for light off-roading), Quadra-Trac II (manual control, two-speed transfer case), and Quadra-Drive II (advanced for serious off-roading). The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk represented the pinnacle of off-roading with 11.3 inches of ground clearance and additional off-road enhancements. With an eight-speed automatic transmission standard across the range, fuel estimates were comparable to the 2021 model, ranging from 17 to 21 mpg depending on the engine and drivetrain combination. Real-world experience reflected these estimates accurately. The Trailhawk particularly shined off-road with luxurious features like Quadra-Lift air suspension, Selec-Speed off-road cruise control, underbody skid plates, and improved angles for ruggedness. It tackled challenging off-road courses dynamically, a testament to its robust design. On regular roads, the Trailhawk's all-terrain tires hummed, and its tuned suspension felt firm, but the V6 engine emerged as the preferred choice due to its balance between efficiency and performance. Despite a delightful V8 experience, the V6's lighter front load and better fuel management made it more practical for everyday use. The shorter Grand Cherokee felt more nimble and akin to its historic agility compared to the extended L version. Although the Quadra-Lift air suspension added sophistication, it often dulled the model's distinct dynamic character.

Comfort was easily accessible in the 2021 Grand Cherokee L, especially in Summit trim that featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment and a heated steering wheel. It also had a four-zone automatic climate control system, ensuring all three rows were adequately ventilated. However, in extreme heat, the small dashboard vents struggled to cool the cabin effectively, leading to noise without sufficient airflow. Standard second-row captain’s chairs offered plenty of legroom and comfort. The model’s third row was reasonably comfortable for all but the tallest adults, complemented by large side windows offering excellent visibility. However, front-seat practical storage was disappointing. Cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 84.6 cubic feet by folding all rear seats. A useful underfloor storage bin also added practicality. The 2022 Grand Cherokee provided equivalent comfort levels, showcasing heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded climate controls as trim levels ascended. Even the base Laredo trims, with their comfortable cloth seats, gave a sense of quality. With a redesigned cabin style, visibility was enhanced, benefiting off-road situational awareness and general driving safety. The interior’s quality was noticeable and extended through various trims, significantly improving the driving experience. Rear-seat legroom remained tight for adults, and the plastic seatback trimming didn't help comfort. The Grand Cherokee L’s additional 1.2 inches of second-row legroom and sliding seats were beneficial for taller passengers. Cargo capacity stood at an impressive 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Though the Grand Cherokee L excelled in cargo volume overall, the two-row configuration wasn’t far behind.

Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 system in the Grand Cherokee L featured improved responsiveness by five times and a better user interface. The test vehicle boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation positioned between the center air vents and the climate controls. While initially tricky, users adapted quickly to the system. Key features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and natural voice recognition with a programmable wake phrase. The 19-speaker McIntosh audio system enhanced the aural experience, despite an odd logo design that didn’t fit the interior’s cohesive vibe. Other advanced technologies like a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, night vision system, and the Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system marked the Jeep’s leap into advanced, family-friendly tech offerings. Polarized sunglasses or not, the head-up display remained easily viewable. The 2022 Grand Cherokee embraced advanced technology, elevating its infotainment and driving assistance features substantively. The suite included head-up displays, Night Vision for pedestrian and animal detection, camera-based rearview mirrors, and up to five interior touchscreens. Uconnect 5 powered the infotainment system, boasting substantial improvements, over-the-air updates, and various screen sizes. Most trims featured either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch screen, standard from Summit and above. Connectivity functions like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and dual-device Bluetooth were standard along with advanced voice recognition functions. A unique front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment and distraction-reducing navigation assistance. Although a high-tech marvel, this feature added significantly to the cost, highlighting the Grand Cherokee's premium ambition.

Safety was a priority in the Grand Cherokee L, introducing Jeep-first features like Active Driving Assist, which blended adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for relaxed highway driving. Although it performed respectably, feedback during lane changes felt overly responsive. Looking ahead, for 2022, Jeep promised a hands-free version of this system. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, identified threats from both sides at intersections, applying brakes when needed. This, along with typical driver assistance systems and optional parking assistance, bolstered the SUV's safety credentials. Crash-test ratings were pending, but given the improvements over the dated previous model, enhanced safety outcomes were anticipated. The 2022 Grand Cherokee incorporated extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel to enhance crash protection, with only 27% of the safety cage constituted by mild-grade steel, suggesting safety improvements over its predecessor. The suite of ADAS featured standard driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. The notable addition of Intersection Collision Assist provided an advanced layer of protection at intersections. Active Driving Assist, featuring Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, facilitated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. Future updates included a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist, elevating the Grand Cherokee's competitive edge with advanced safety and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.