Jeep Gambled and Won With the Grand Cherokee L SUV
For years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee symbolized a large two-row midsize SUV that offered impressive off-road qualities. The only item we wanted in this SUV was a third row, but we understood the need for a large cargo hold. This brand made a huge splash with the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer returning to the market. Alongside these upscale models, Jeep quietly gave us the three-row Grand Cherokee L that we’ve longed for since the nameplate first appeared.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is more than just a three-row SUV
Jeep didn’t stop with the new three-row model by adding a third row and nothing more. They took the Grand Cherokee L upmarket. According to CarBuzz, this SUV is more expensive than ever, which was a serious gamble for Jeep. This risky move paid off as more Americans chose the L model of the Grand Cherokee, which starts at $46,645. This starting price is much higher than the two-row Grand Cherokee SUV, which costs $38,325 for the base model.
How much space will you find in this SUV?
Most Jeep Grand Cherokee L versions fit six people across the three rows. If you want one more seat in the second row, it won’t cost you more, which is a nice touch from the Jeep brand. According to Kelley Blue Book, this SUV gives you 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row. This is much smaller than the two-row version, but when you fold the rearmost seats down in the Grand Cherokee L, you have 46.9 cubic feet. At this point, you’ve got more cargo room than the regular version, which offers 37.7 cubic feet behind the second row. You’ll enjoy 84.6 cubic feet of cargo room with both rear rows down.
What does Jeep Grand Cherokee L mean?
Jeep kept this part of the naming structure simple for this SUV. The L means the vehicle is longer than the regular version. We’re used to brands in this family using the word “Grand” to describe longer versions, but that’s not the case here.
How expensive can this SUV become?
You know the base price, but how far up the pricing ladder will the Jeep Grand Cherokee L go? At the top model, the Summit Reserve, you’ll pay as much as $71,000. This does not give you one of the most affordable vehicles in this class, but you have a much longer list of luxury and upscale features in this SUV than many competitors.
What engine is in the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
Two engines find their way to the lineup for this Jeep SUV. You can enjoy the venerable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain gives you 293 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and up to 6,200 pounds of towing.
Move up to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, and you’ve got 357 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque for the drive. This engine also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it can pull up to 7,200 pounds for you.
What are the standard features of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
The base trim for the longer Grand Cherokee is the Laredo trim which brings you:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights/taillights
- 10.25-inch digital driver information display
- 8-way power-adjustable front seats
- Cloth upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tri-zone automatic climate controls
- Full-speed forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian/cyclist detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Rear parking sensors with automatic braking
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Amazon Alexa
- Satellite radio
- 12 USB ports
- Voice control
- Over-the-air updates
- Six-speaker audio system
At the top end, the Summit Reserve model has:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Diamond-stitched Palermo leather upholstery
- Walnut wood trim
- Heated/ventilated second-row seats
- 19-speaker/950-watt McIntosh audio system
There’s a huge difference between these two trims. You’ll find several models between them at prices that also fall between the numbers listed.
Should you become part of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L gamble?
It’s not a gamble for you to buy a three-row SUV that gives you everything you want on the road. If this version of the Grand Cherokee has what you want, it can be the right SUV for your adventures and fun on and off the road. Suppose you’re not ready to spend the higher prices for this model. In that case, you could look at the Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, or Toyota Highlander and spend less to have a three-row SUV.
