2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was renowned for its timeless styling and rugged yet sophisticated appeal. Even after more than a decade since its debut, the fourth-generation model continued to impress. Its design, defined by big wheels pushed to the corners under flared fenders, embodied a balanced work of automotive artistry that set the standard for what an SUV should look like, apart from the Jeep Wrangler. This eye-catching design contributed significantly to the Grand Cherokee’s ongoing popularity.

The model range of the 2021 Grand Cherokee was incredibly versatile, blending mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV traits. The lineup started with the affordable Laredo and Limited trims and extended to upscale models like the Overland and Summit. Performance enthusiasts could opt for the SRT and Trackhawk versions, while off-road adventurers were catered to by the Trailhawk. For the 2021 model year, updates included special editions like the Laredo X and the 80th Anniversary Edition.

Priced between approximately $35,000 and nearly $90,000, the Grand Cherokee offered a wide range. Our test vehicle featured the premium Summit trim with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, four-wheel drive, and additional options pushing its MSRP to $68,185. The Jeep's Summit trim, enhanced by the Platinum Series Group, presented a toned-down but more premium look with body-colored accents and platinum chrome finishes. Inside, the Summit's Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme, quilted seats, wood-and-leather steering wheel, and partially digital instrumentation contributed to a luxurious feel. However, the outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fittings indicated an urgent need for a redesign.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L expanded on the Grand Cherokee formula by adding a third row of seats, making it 11.4 inches longer and with a wheelbase stretched by five inches. This extension offered more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee L before the two-row version, which made the shorter Grand Cherokee appear truncated in comparison. The L retained the Jeep’s recognizable design elements like the seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end, with modernized lighting and better panel fit and finish. Higher trims like the Summit and Summit Reserve stood out with black roofs, larger wheels, and chrome accents. For 2022, new paint options included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L's interior surpassed its predecessor, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, creating an ambiance akin to a Mercedes in tactile quality. Despite some occasional issues with lag and legibility in the Uconnect 5 system, the interior layout and premium materials felt upscale.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations. This engine provided adequate performance for most needs, complemented by a tow capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine boosted power to 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, raising the towing capacity to a best-in-class 7,200 pounds. The V8's characteristic rumble and cylinder deactivation technology offered a blend of power and fuel efficiency, achieving an observed 18.2 mpg on a mixed driving route.

The Grand Cherokee Summit's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Selec-Terrain traction management with multiple settings, and Quadra-Lift air suspension allowed the vehicle to handle various driving conditions with ease, offering ground clearance adjustable from 8.6 to 10.8 inches. Despite its capabilities, the Summit’s ride could be bouncy and less refined on city roads, but it maintained agility with a tight turning radius and effective braking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, delivered a formidable 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, although it was untested at the time of evaluation.

Our test vehicle featured the V6, which, with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, struggled with the Grand Cherokee L’s weight, especially when fully loaded. The transmission’s programming and engine noise further detracted from the driving experience. For better performance, the plug-in hybrid or the V8, producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, were the preferred options. The V8's impressive sound and power made it a worthy choice for higher trims like the Overland and Summit.

Fuel economy for the V6 paralleled the Grand Cherokee’s, with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The V8's efficiency dropped to 14/22/17. Despite the V6’s shortcomings, the Grand Cherokee L’s chassis excelled, delivering a composed ride and precise handling. The air suspension system provided adjustable ride heights, from low for easy entry to high for off-road clearance, enhancing its versatility.

Jeep's driving modes mirrored those of Land Rover, optimizing throttle, transmission, suspension, and other systems for various terrains. While all-terrain tires and the Trail-Rated badge were reserved for the Overland trim, any Grand Cherokee L could handle rough roads, towing up to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

In the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, occupants enjoyed supportive seats wrapped in quilted and perforated leather from the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. While the eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats provided comfort, the climate controls integrated into the infotainment system added unnecessary distraction. Rear-seat passengers found comfort limited by snug legroom, though the large windows, panoramic sunroof, and light interior upholstery mitigated claustrophobia. Storage was adequate but hindered by the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The Grand Cherokee offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, though this was less than some competitors. Thoughtful touches like milk jug storage bins, spare tire storage, and a low-mounted power liftgate button enhanced practicality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L impressed with its spacious interior across all three rows. Uconnect 5's improved interface, larger touchscreens, and physical switches for key functions enhanced usability. The 10.1-inch touchscreen in higher trims sometimes had legibility issues, and the system occasionally lagged, but overall it was a significant upgrade. Third-row accommodations were adult-friendly, and captain's chairs or a 60/40 split-bench seat ensured flexibility.

Cargo capacity in the Grand Cherokee L expanded with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats down, and up to 84.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. This significant increase made the L more suited for families needing extra space.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav system, praised for its user-friendly interface, fast response, and clear touchscreen graphics. The system offered navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The premium Alpine sound system or the optional Harman Kardon setup satisfied audiophiles. While it provided essential tech, the Grand Cherokee was relatively tech-lite compared to newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L provided advanced technology, including multiple massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera, and an Active Driving Assist system for highway steering. The navigation system offered detailed previews on the digital instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were the optional touchscreen displays for passengers, enhancing rear-seat entertainment.

Jeep equipped the Grand Cherokee L with an array of driver aids, from adaptive cruise control to traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim's McIntosh stereo system delivered premium sound, although lower trims had more basic audio options.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety was a mixed bag. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for 4WD models, but the IIHS rated it poorly in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. Headlights were also rated poorly unless upgraded. However, it came with numerous safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system further enhanced convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of evaluation. It came equipped with knee airbags, a rear-seat alert, trailer sway control, and various advanced driver aids like those found in the Grand Cherokee.