By Amanda Mfuphi

Jeep recently unveiled the new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L – the “L” marking an extended platform with a three-row seating configuration. Grand Cherokee lovers will definitely be excited for this new model given that the current platform has been around since 2011. It appears that the new three-row Grand Cherokee L will be sold alongside the current two-row 2021 model.

Exterior Design

The styling of the new Grand Cherokee L gets subtle changes but still maintains the Grand Cherokee DNA we have become accustomed to for the last decade. At the front end, the new Jeep features a more prominent hood with an aggressive downward slope, smaller seven-slat grille pieces and a large lower bumper with an opening design, and slim LED headlights flanking the grille and the bumper.

The side profile of the new Grand Cherokee L is sharp and defined, much like the front, and features 21-inch wheels for the first time. The Grand Cherokee has a sharp roofline that flows into a sleek rear which features slim LED. Given that the Grand Cherokee L, it has also grown by a significant amount over its predecessor. The wheelbase of the L model extends to 121.7 inches, giving way to a total length of 204.9 inches. By comparison, the current two-row Grand Cherokee has a wheelbase of 114.8 inches and stretches out to 189.8 inches in total length.

Interior

Inside, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L gets a totally new center cluster and digital cluster design, a multifunction steering wheel, attractive leather finishes, and more high-quality trim pieces like wood and metal. The Grand Cherokee L features power-adjustable front bucket seats which are heated and also offer a massage function with five customizable profiles. The Overland and Summit models also offer heated second-row seats as an option, with heating and ventilation standard on the range-topping Summit Reserve model.

The infotainment system features a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen measures with an option to upgrade to a larger 10.1-inch, which is flanked by a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster with menu options, including access to features like adaptive cruise control, night vision, and traffic sign detection. The Grand Cherokee L also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety

In terms of safety, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L features safety features such full-speed collision warning with automatic emergency braking system, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control  with stop and go, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, advanced braking assist, and more. Also new for 2021 is a suite of optional active and passive equipment available on higher trim levels like the Overland and Summit models.

That list of optional equipment starts with the brand’s new Active Driving Assistant, which uses lane-centering and adaptive cruise control with distance assist for Level 2 automated driving. Joining Active Driving Assist later this year will be the Hands-Free Active Driving Assistant, which promises even more in the way of semi-autonomy. Other optional features available on the 2021 model include night vision, a head-up display, an intersection collision alert – which gives an audible warning of oncoming traffic from either side – drowsy driver detection, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.

Engine and Power

The new Grand Cherokee L is powered by the 3.6-liter V6 engine which pushes out 216kW and 348Nm and a 5.7-litre V8 engine which pushes out 266kW and 530Nm. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with two-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available as an option. On the four-wheel drive option, the Grand Cherokee will also feature a front-axle disconnect system that allows the vehicle to drive the rear wheels only to save petrol should all four-wheels not be required at the time.

Availability and Price

Official communication on the availability and price of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has not been announced yet but there are strong indications that it is coming to South Africa to fight the likes of the GLS, Q7 and X7.