Nearly 30 years ago, the Jeep® Grand Cherokee began its legacy as the most awarded SUV in history. Today, following four groundbreaking generations of the vehicle, countless industry accolades and nearly 7 million in global sales, the Jeep brand continues to shatter expectations of the full-size SUV segment with the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
The newest iteration is designed and engineered to deliver an unmatched combination of even more legendary 4×4 capability, superior on-road refinement, premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out, and a host of advanced safety and technology features. The result is the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, for the first time ever with seating for 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.”
Jeep legendary 4×4 capability
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L delivers improved unrivaled capability along with composed on-road driving dynamics. Legendary 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.
Selec-Terrain
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L’s class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system lets customers 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.
All-new architecture delivers world-class driving dynamics and durability
The all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L receives a multitude of improvements to optimize ride, handling and quiet sound, while also reducing weight and improving fuel economy. A new unibody design along with three available 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II), an available Quadra-Lift air suspension and standard Selec-Terrain traction management system improve on Grand Cherokee’s legendary 4×4 capability.
Award-winning powertrainsThe all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers buyers a choice of two powerful, fuel-efficient and refined engines with proven performance for any driving situation.
Standard is the all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 290 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft (348 Nm). of torque. Lauded for its power and refinement, the 60-degree angle between the Pentastar V-6’s cylinder banks make it inherently smooth running, augmented by accessories that bolt directly to the engine block. A seven-time winner of the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award, the Pentastar V-6 engine is compact, with features such as exhaust manifolds integrated into the cylinder heads.
Chain-driven dual overhead camshafts include two-step variable valve lift and variable-valve timing (VVT). This combination quickly tailors engine output to the demands of the driver for the best balance of performance and fuel economy.
Fuel-saving engine start-stop (ESS) technology is standard on the Pentastar V-6. The ESS system has been upgraded and refined for the Grand Cherokee L. Changes include a pressure reserve element in the eight-speed transmission, which provides dedicated transmission fluid to the shift elements at engine restart for a quick launch. Refined powertrain controls and new starter technology minimize early engine restarts from minor movements of the driver’s foot on the brake pedal. Restart noise, vibration and harshness have been reduced via revised controls and switchable engine mounts.
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is rated for a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 Kg) and an estimated class-leading driving range of nearly 500 miles (8,047 Km).
VVT with dual-independent cam phasing enables better fuel efficiency across a wide torque band in the Pentastar V-6. Nearly 90 percent of the engine’s peak torque is available from 1,800 to 6,400 rpm – an important consideration when towing or hauling.
Buyers who want more power can opt for the award-winning 5.7-liter V-8, rated at 357 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft (529 Nm) of torque delivered over a broad power band.
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). With Fuel Saver Technology, the engine control computer turns off fuel and spark and closes the valves to four of the engine’s cylinders during light-load operation, such as highway cruising, when full power is not needed. The system immediately re-engages the deactivated cylinders when the driver presses on the accelerator pedal.
