The Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV is about to start its fifth generation, and it's being introduced with a three-row model called the Grand Cherokee L that seats up to seven. In case the choice of a three-row design raises a question about the off-road cred of this new Jeep, the division's leader, Jim Morrison, responds, "Don't let the third row fool you, this Jeep is still capable."

The popular SUV will continue to offer a two-row model, which is set to enter production by the end of the year along with a plug-in-hybrid 4xe. Hands-free driving capability is coming in the second model year, too, Jeep says. Meanwhile, the 2021 Grand Cherokee L shown here will go on sale this spring, likely starting just under $40,000.

By the end of the year, Jeep will have three new three-row SUVs in its lineup: the unibody Grand Cherokee L, available in Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit trims, and the body-on-frame Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer full-size utes. The Wagoneer will start in the $60,000 range while Jeep says that fully loaded Grand Wagoneers can reach over $100,000. The Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneers will compete with the likes of Ford's Explorer and Expedition, Chevy's Traverse and Tahoe, and Toyota's Highlander and Sequoia.

Jeep says that the Grand Cherokee L's proportions were inspired by the original Wagoneer, and you'll see a bit of the new Grand Wagoneer concept's flair blended in as well. The largest dose is in the seven-slot grille, which is slanted slightly forward, with slim LED headlights attached on either side. Below, the new model's front fascia features active openings and has grown, hiding driver-assistance tech, compared with the previous generation. A gloss-black roof is available on the Overland model and standard on the Summit, and the roofline flows into thin LED taillights. An available Summit Reserve package includes a set of 21-inch wheels (pictured above) while the top two models get standard 20-inch wheels. The Limited and base Laredo models sit on 18-inch wheels.

The Grand Cherokee L's wheelbase is 6.9 inches longer than the current model's, and the new model is equipped with an independent front and multi-link rear suspension. (The current two-row version will carry over into the 2021 model year and the new two-row model is coming later, likely as a 2022 model.) The L's second row seats fold and slide forward to allow easier access to the third row, which has available power-folding seats and 30.3 inches of legroom—1.9 inches less than the Ford Explorer. There are 47 cubic feet of storage behind the second row, 11 cubes more than the two-row Grand Cherokee, and when all the seats are folded to a flat load floor, the L boasts 85 cubic feet of storage, three less than the Explorer.

Jeep kept the Grand Cherokee's powertrains the same for its new generation, though it'll announce a plug-in hybrid 4xe model, a moniker first introduced on the Wrangler, later this year. We also won't rule out the mega-powerful Hellcat supercharged V-8, either, because Fiat Chrysler stuffs the beast into just about anything with four wheels, including the three-row Dodge Durango. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with start-stop is standard, whether with rear-, all-, or four-wheel drive, producing 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 5.7-liter V-8 with four-wheel drive and cylinder deactivation is available on the Overland and Summit models, which makes 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The L's two powertrains make slightly less power than the two-row model simply because of the different configuration in this new generation, Jeep told Car and Driver. The Grand Cherokee L can tow up to 6200 pounds with the V-6 and 7200 pounds with the V-8, the same as the 2021 Grand Cherokee two-row.

#Jeep #2021_Grand_Cherokee #new_Cherokee_L

"AD1CAR" Automotive videos and latest car news
SUBSCRIBE NOW https://bit.ly/2DGp9xr