How We'd Spec It: Jeep's New Three-Row 2021 Grand Cherokee L
Jeep will soon have three opulent three-row SUVs in its lineup: the new Grand Cherokee L as well as the upcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. The Grand Cherokee L is a compelling choice among mid-size three-row SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander. It's a new, stretched version of the popular Grand Cherokee SUV, and it's ushering in a luxurious new generation. Prices range from $38,690 for the base Laredo model to $66,985 for the fully loaded Summit Reserve. If we were going to buy a three-row Grand Cherokee L, this is how some of our editors would order them from Jeep's online configurator:
Joey Capparella's $43,775 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo
Jeeps are too expensive, so I went with a lightly optioned Grand Cherokee L in its base Laredo trim. The optional $2000 four-wheel-drive system is a must, and I opted for a few niceties including a $1095 sunroof and the $1295 Luxury Tech package, which includes heated seats, a power liftgate, and additional power outlets. Unfortunately there aren't many interesting colors available, and even the boring grays and blacks cost $345 extra. So I went for the no-cost Bright White, because I'll only pay more for a paint color if it's really worth it. The 5.7-liter V-8 engine is desirable but only available in the upper trim levels, so I'll settle for the standard 3.6-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. My $43,775 Grand Cherokee sure isn't fancy, but it looks handsome and is fairly nicely equipped for the price.
Drew Dorian's $55,610 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited
For nearly the same price as an all-wheel-drive Overland, I decided to load up an all-wheel-drive Limited model with some features that would be out of reach on the more expensive trim. I added the larger 10.1-inch infotainment display for $995, the panoramic sunroof for $1795, and the Luxury Tech Group II package for $2295. That bundle includes a ton of must-haves, including a wireless smartphone charging pad, perforated leather upholstery with ventilation, a power-adjustable steering column with memory settings, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, and a few extra driver-assistance features including an off-road camera.
Jeep, disappointingly, isn't offering many colors on the Grand Cherokee L, so I'd choose Diamond Black Crystal ($345), which I'd probably regret the first time it rained. It offsets the chrome trim nicely and looks great in contrast with the tan-colored leather interior. The only issue with choosing the Limited over the Overland is that it comes standard with some dinky-looking 18-inch wheels, which I remedied here by adding the $1495 20-inch wheel option. I also ordered the $995 Trailer Tow package for an added level of usefulness. The Grand Cherokee L in this spec rings up at a still pricey $55,610, but that's a savings of $1080 over an optionless Overland.
Connor Hoffman's $63,915 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland
The first box I'm ticking is four-wheel drive. It's a Jeep. I'm going to choose the Overland trim because it's the most rugged of the Grand Cherokee L's trims, and if I have to buy a Jeep, that's how I'm getting it. It comes with the $1095 Off-Road Group package, which adds a few off-roading goodies to give it the coveted Trail Rated badge. It's crazy that there are only four colors, but I'm going to settle for Silver Zynith with the black roof. I'll gladly take the 18-inch wheels over the 20-inchers because I'm at least hitting some two-tracks in this Jeep. And, of course, I'm going for the 4.7-liter Hemi V-8 for the extra $3295. The interior is going to be gray, and I want the larger screen, even though it's $1795. Now this three-row Jeep costs $63,915, which is admittedly a lot to spend on a Jeep.
Maxwell Mortimer's $65,215 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland
There's no doubt that I could've spent less money on this build and still had a well-optioned, affordable Jeep Grand Cherokee L, but with Jeep steadily moving upmarket, it made sense to option out a higher trim that would try to compete with household luxury marques. I ended up selecting the Overland trim, 4x4 of course, and wearing a hue of midnight blue paint that Jeep calls Transmission Heater for $345. To add to the niceties inside, I opted for the Luxury Tech Group IV package that includes upgraded leather 12-way power-adjustable seats with massagers up front, four-zone automatic climate control, second-row window shades, and an induction phone charger. Since the Grand comes standard with the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, I had to splurge the extra $1795 to try the larger 10.1-inch display. I'd be awfully remiss to forgo the $1095 Off-Road Group, which includes 18-inch wheels, beefier tires, a sturdier rear axle with a limited-slip differential, skid plates for the front suspension, fuel tank, and transfer case, and of course, a Trail Rated badge. Lastly, for $3295 I chose the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine option because getting the wimpy six-cylinder would just seem un-American.
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