The Jeep Grand Cherokee L came into existence, offering impressive three-row seating and plenty of power. A few improvements allow this SUV to soldier onward.
Those who thought the Grand Cherokee L would leave the market once the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer gained a foothold are sadly mistaken. This longer version of the venerable Jeep SUV provides more than just a third-row seat. Heading into 2024, the Grand Cherokee L adds a few more enhancements, giving the Limited model 18-inch polished/painted aluminum wheels as part of the standard package. Still, there’s more to this incredible SUV than you might expect.
The only Hemi-Powered Grand Cherokee left
As Jeep transitions into the hybrid and electric vehicle world, some powertrains are being deleted, including massive Hemi V8 engines. Thankfully, the three-row Grand Cherokee L still offers a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine as an option. Sure, the venerable Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 is still the base offering with 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque, but if you want Hemi power in your three-row Jeep, this is the SUV for you.
The V6 engine offers towing figures of up to 6,200 pounds, but the 5.7-liter Hemi increases this by 1,000 pounds, making it easy to handle a large boat or trailer with this family-sized Grand Cherokee L. The Hemi engine returns 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. To add the Hemi engine, you must climb the trim ladder and choose the Overland, Summit, or Summit Reserve trim for your Jeep.
Regardless of engine choice, you’ll have a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission to handle the shifting, which makes this SUV both efficient and powerful. The gear shifts are barely perceptible while driving this three-row Jeep SUV on the road.
Its still an off-road beast
Adding a third row of seats to the Jeep Grand Cherokee L didn’t remove the off-road prowess of this incredible SUV. The continued Jeep expertise on the trails is thanks to the trio of 4WD systems made to bring passengers to the deepest parts of the wilderness. These systems are called Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, and all have impressive rear electronic limited-slip differentials that work seamlessly with an active transfer case to provide excellent traction and torque distribution on the trails. This combination ensures impressive grip and control, making it easy to navigate various terrain elements with confidence, including handling foul weather when it arrives.
The Grand Cherokee L handles the roadways with confidence
In addition to being an off-road champ, the Grand Cherokee L is comfortable and useful on the roads. The unibody construction with the independent front and rear suspension systems makes this SUV comfortable for any family on the go. This is also the only SUV in its class with a Quadra-Lift air suspension with semi-active damping. With this feature, the Grand Cherokee L can be smooth on most roads.
Of course, these items also aid in the impressive off-road capabilities, enabling this Jeep SUV to have up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and up to 24 inches of water fording on the trails.
Jeep programs this SUV for the terrain
Technology and programming help to enable the Jeep Grand Cherokee L to be set up to tackle every terrain. Jeep’s Select-Terrain system offers a spectrum of modes, including Auto Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand. Thes settings allow this SUV to expertly ride across or through the wilderness when these elements appear, making this one of the best vehicles for some off-road fun.
Luxury isn’t reserved for Wagoneer models
The luxury focus of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer might have some convinced that the Grand Cherokee L is being left out, but that’s not the case. The cabin presents a comfortable and modern feeling with upscale seating and large dashboard screens. Your family can enjoy a variety of ambient LED light colors, front-seat massaging functions, and a lavish layout.
Jeep offers an optional 10.25-inch front passenger touchscreen, which utilizes the Uconnect 5 system. If you want to hear impressive sounds coming from your Jeep, check the box for the 9-speaker McIntosh audio system and let it be part of the entertainment package. The Grand Cherokee L features a comprehensive safety package that can be improved with the 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee L right for you?
If you want one of the most versatile Jeep SUVs with three rows of seats, an optional Hemi V8 engine, and several trims to choose from, this could be the one you’ll want to drive. Take the Grand Cherokee L out for a test drive and see if it has everything you need and most of what you want in a family-sized off-road SUV.
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