autoevolution
 

TFL Reviews 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, First Impressions Are Mostly Good

Care to guess which is the best-selling Jeep in the United States? Based on 2020 figures, that would be the Grand Cherokee despite its old age.
Is This Plush $67K Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland A Budget G-Wagen Or Just An Overpriced Durango? 45 photos
Photo: The Fast Lane Car on YouTube
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
For the 2021 model year, the W166-derived platform from the previous-generation GLE has been replaced by a brand-new vehicle architecture developed by Alfa Romeo, the infamous Giorgio that underpins the Giulia and Stelvio. Currently available only as a three-row family hauler, the Grand Cherokee L has received the rubber stamp from Roman Mica of The Fast Lane for the responsive steering, linear braking, and good ride quality.

The HEMI V8-powered Overland in the following video isn’t a slouch either because the pushrod engine and ZF 8HP automatic transmission are nicely calibrated for this kind of vehicle. Roman also mentions that a Grand Cherokee L tows up to 7,200 pounds (3,266 kilograms), which is pretty neat for a platform originally developed for a go-faster sedan and SUV.

From a visual standpoint, the most glaring piece of useless design comes in the guise of chromed exhaust finishers that complement small-diameter tailpipes. But for what it’s worth, at least it’s not completely fake like the finishers of many Volkswagen and Daimler AG passenger cars and utilities.

Priced at $67,210 in this exact configuration, the Grand Cherokee L Overland is far nicer inside compared to the five-door Grand Cherokee from the 2020 model year. Be that as it may, the center console and infotainment system are glorified magnets for dust and fingerprints. The biggest snag that Roman has identified comes in the guise of cheap-sounding plastic around the center console, which sounds very hollow when tapped with the finger.

On the upside, Roman is more than pleased with the headroom, legroom, and features of the second-row captain seats. Believe it or not, he also fits in the rearmost seats, although it’s unmistakably tight for a full-grown adult.

Going forward, the Grand Cherokee L will be joined by a five-door variant for the 2022 model year, as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain under the 4xe handle. It’s also rumored that Stellantis will introduce a straight-six turbo with mild-hybrid assistance, a 3.0-liter powerplant based on the 2.0-liter Hurricane that you already know from the Jeep Wrangler JL and JLU.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories