The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L didn’t change much from the previous model year, so the new version earned similar scores from Consumer Reports. There’s plenty to love with the smooth transmission, towing capacity, and roomy cabin. However, the new model also falls short in four particular areas of testing. So, what’s wrong with the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L?

1. This long SUV has mediocre acceleration

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L packs a 3.6-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. That pairing works well overall, but acceleration is dismal compared with other SUVs in this class. 

Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph took a leisurely 8.8 seconds in Consumer Reports testing. Competitive vehicles run in the low-seven-second range. One such rival is the Toyota Highlander, boasting a 7.2-second split. 

2. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L exhibits poor braking performance

Acceleration isn’t the only performance drawback. Consumer Reports reviewers also knock the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s braking distances. Stopping on wet surfaces took 150 feet from 60 mph. 

Though you’d expect a longer stopping distance on wet pavement, this SUV also disappoints on dry roads. It took 141 feet to come to a complete stop. That’s about 14 feet longer than its popular rival the Kia Telluride. 

Also, the L’s brake pedal seemed overly sensitive at lower speeds in CR testing, which reviewers say would take a driver time to get used to.

3. The noisy engine is hard to ignore

When traveling at higher speeds, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L keeps wind and road noise to a minimum in the cabin. However, engine noise is a notable problem, with the V6 engine getting noisy when pushed.

It made a metallic noise that frustrated reviewers. Even more aggravating is that because the engine needs pushing quite often, it will force riders to endure the noise frequently. The Hyundai Palisade is the opposite, boasting a rather quiet cabin. 

4. Interior controls are cluttered and confusing

The looks of the luxurious interior definitely show refinement and offer comfort, but the devil is in the details. Unlike other Jeep models, the Grand Cherokee L has cluttered controls, and some are even confusing. For example, the driver instrument cluster is too over-the-top and distracting. Climate controls are poorly placed, making them too low for the driver to access quickly. 

In addition, accidentally pressing the volume knob causes the infotainment screen to shut off, making you lose more time turning it on again. Plus, the buttons across the top of the infotainment system are glossy black, making them difficult to locate when the sun is glaring. 

All in all, while there are quite a few benefits to buying a new Jeep Grand Cherokee L, several drawbacks mar this luxury SUV. You might want to look elsewhere if you’re looking for powerful acceleration or a tranquil highway drive.