MAH Channel - It would not be an exaggeration to say that the only valuable products in the US section of the Stellantis Group were the Ram truck and the Jeep family.
There is no denying that the Jeep can be one of the greatest cars made in America even though it often comes in two lines.
However, for 2021, Jeep has finally released a three-line car in which this segment accounts for 75 percent of their sales.
This is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L which has undergone many improvements so that the driving experience becomes much better.
There have been some thoughtful technology and design updates, and yes, creating a more versatile crossover.
But, it doesn't change the experience of driving a Grand Cherokee. The sensation is still there and awake.
Three Rows
Despite the immense popularity of the three-line crossover and the sheer number of brands under its new umbrella, Stellantis survived in North America with just two products.
The rapidly aging Dodge Durango and the terrifying Dodge Journey. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is better than the two Dodges.
Compared to the current two-row Grand Cherokee, the wheelbase has been increased by 17 centimeters.
The distance between the axles is also 4.8 centimeters longer than what you get on the Jeep Durango.
Overall, the 2021 Jeep Grang Cherokee L is 38 centimeters longer than its predecessor and 8 centimeters longer than the Dodge.
The effect is very visible in the cabin. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a passenger volume of 4,405 liters.
It's bigger than the new Hyundai Palisade, Chevrolet Traverse, and Nissan Pathfinder. Good enough.
Premium Trim
The unit we tested was a Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland or one level below the highest trim.
Complete with four-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The top half of the dashboard is probably the best in its segment.
The leather dashboard topper, complete with contrast stitching, matches the matte wood and aluminum accents. This is original. However, there are flaws that appear in the door panels.
The main material and at the bottom of the dashboard and then on the center console is a very hard and cheap plastic. The panel feels bent when we push it.
It is not uncommon for automakers to apply more premium materials to high-end trim.
But, the gap between the top-end trim and the next closest one is just too great. The door panels are substantially sturdier in the Jeep Summit.
Nonetheless, we're already familiar with most of the technology suite of this 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
The UConnect 5 and the new version of the instrument-cluster display are currently displayed in a 10.3-inch display.
However, one of the big additions and perhaps a highlight in the interior is the available McIntosh Laboratory audio system.
This is the first time the famous American hi-fi producer has created an in-vehicle sound system with his trademark logo.
This sound system is fantastic with 19 speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer and 950 watts of power. The quality of the lows, mids, and highs is at least as good.
Engine Ordinary
Athletic posture is not included in the list of requirements for the three-row crossover although we still expect it to be in this 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
This SUV is not expected to run smoothly on asphalt because its natural habitat is in off-road terrain. It's okay.
The 3.6-liter V6 engine is in the spotlight. Indeed, the engine is getting lighter and using a turbocharged.
Factors that make this machine only has 293 horsepower and 352 Nm of torque. Obviously not enough for this big three-row car.
For comparison, the Ford Explorer's 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has 406 Nm of torque at 500 rpm.
Likewise, the 4-wheel-drive Jeep Overland weighing 2,267 kilograms is endowed with similar power, as is the Kia Telluride and Nissan Pathfinder.
Tasked with so much weight on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, this 3.6 liter engine is capable of going at high speeds.
Approximately acceleration 0-96 km / h completed in 8 seconds. Jeep also claims the towing power of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is 2,812 kilograms.
We can't imagine pulling that much with this engine because there's not enough low-end torque.
Frankly, we wouldn't be buying this 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L unless we could have the optional 5.7-liter V8 engine.
The engine is only offered by Jeep at the top of its trim, namely the Overland and Summit with 357 horsepower and 528 Nm of torque.
This engine will also be able to beat all V6-powered rivals except the twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter engine in the Ford Explorer.
In the end, this 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L engine feels inadequate even though it can run fast.
This 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L sported an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox but seemed less excited when we opted for manual mode.
However, it feels very good on busy urban streets. At least this is quite helpful.
Perhaps most impressive, given its weight, is how well the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L handles. This SUV also uses multi-link suspension at all four corners.
Jeep engineers realigned the power steering system and installed air springs with adaptive dampers.