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2024 Kia Soul Review2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Where Class Meets Off-Roading
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is still rock solid and hasn’t lost its step on the trail even though it’s dressed up inside.
What’s New for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Although a new 3-row Grand Cherokee L is on the way, the current generation Grand Cherokee powers on until 2022. While waiting for the Grand Cherokee L and the all-new 2022 Grand Cherokee, let’s take a look at the current state of this off-road luxury vehicle.
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The Breakdown
The stable chassis is nice
Its interior design is pleasing
It has the ability to go anywhere
Air suspension creates a nice ride
Switchgear is cheap feeling
Can’t wait for the refresh
2021 Grand Cherokee Specs
- 295 horsepower from base engine
- 260 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 11 available trims
- 36.5 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- 74.1 cu-ft. of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 7200 lbs
- Available Harmon Kardon sound system
- Multiple Protech safety packages
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Powertrain
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee base engine is a 3.6L V6 and it’s fully capable of doing work around town or on the trails, but we’d spring for the optional 5.7L V8 making 360hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 of roughly 6.8 seconds, you’ll appreciate its highway performance and ability to tow 7200 lbs. There’s also the 6.4L HEMI V8 available in the SRT trim and the 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 available in the Trackhawk trim to make things even more interesting. The 8-speed transmission provides seamless shifts and could go unnoticed until you play with the paddle shifters.
The Quadra-Trac AWD system gives a center console-mounted knob called the Selec-Terrain dial. It’s similar to other competitors with Mud/Sand, Rock, and Sport settings and can be adjusted while in motion. You’ll also have the Jeep settings of low-speed gearing and hill-descent control for those steep grades.
Everything is quiet and smooth with the Grand Cherokee’s air suspension. However, it can isolate drivers from the needed road feel in the steering. The Grand Cherokee keeps itself under control in corners and decidedly sporty. It’ll still feel like a Jeep and not a luxury yacht on wheels.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Economy & MPG
If you’re concerned about gas mileage, then don’t get a V8. In the 5.7L, you’re going to get a combined gas mileage below 20 mpg. Around town, you’ll be looking at 14 mpg, according to the EPA. The 3.6L V6 would be the right gas mileage choice with an EPA estimated 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 21 mpg combined on the rear-wheel-drive versions. AWD will get you around 1-2 mpg less.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a definitely un-Jeep environment. You may have noticed that Jeep uses different quality leathers as you move up in the Grand Cherokee price range. For example, the Summit trim brings Ski Gray Laguna Leather, and it’s a full wrap. So, you’ll find it on the dash and even the lower door panels. As nice as the lower door panel addition is, the white is going to get its share of scuff marks, so be mindful of that. There’s a clear difference between the Laguna, Natura, and Nappa leather. Of the three, the Laguna will be some of the best leather you’ve ever felt. Now, whether or not it lives in your off-road Jeep is dependent on you.
As far as cargo goes, you can stuff the Grand Cherokee up like any other SUV crossover, but the L version coming in 2022 will give you more room. The 60/40 seatback adjusts in rake and folds flat. If you want to raise the seatback to the seated position, be prepared to muscle up. There’s no electric assist button for this and it’s not an easy one-handed effort. However, this is something we’ve noticed in other makes and models of SUVs.
Entertainment & Technology
Even though this is the last year for this fourth-generation Grand Cherokee, the dash looks as up to date as any new model would. The infotainment screen is a similar behemoth found in the Ram pickup, but it’s still HD and the user-interface works really well. Nothing is confusing, and you can easily play with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Although not in every Jeep, the available Harmon Kardon sound system will sound nice and adds to the luxury interior’s ambiance. Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa skills are available on Jeep models if you wish to use them. Jeep’s connected car system also allows you to perform functions like car location, remote vehicle start, and more through their app.
Safety Features
Depending on the trim level, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s will have a 4 or 5-star safety rating. 5-star and 5-star+ ratings are largely depending on headlight capabilities, so you’re still dealing with a safe ride no matter the trim. Jeep has three drivers assist systems including Protech 1, Protech 2, and Advanced Protech 2. Protech 1 includes Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, Rear Park Assist sensors, and a backup camera. Protech 2 and Advanced Protech 2 add features such as forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parallel parking assistance.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trims & Pricing
LAREDO E – $34,220
With the base Laredo out of the picture, this is where you start when looking for a Grand Cherokee. The Laredo E comes with power windows with express up and down, power locks, and a power-adjustable seat. Heated front seats and an 8.4-inch touchscreen are available with optional navigation.
LAREDO X – $37,765
The Laredo X has the standard Uconnect® 4C NAV that features a flush-mounted 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support. Black leather-trimmed seats with suede inserts and heated front seats are added.
LIMITED – $40,420
The Limited includes the Laredo X features and adds two more USB ports, a single panel sunroof, and the more advanced Quadra-Trac II® system option.
80TH ANNIVERSARY – $42,600
You’ll get special 80th Anniversary badging with Satin Gloss Granite Crystal Exterior Accents on the external mirrors, grille, and 20-inch wheels. Inside are Black Nappa Perforated Leather Seats, Berber Floor Mats, plus the included ProTech II safety package.
LIMITED X – $45,270
The Limited X adds a set of 20-inch gloss-black aluminum alloys, an Altitude grille, body-color fascia, and dark taillamps.
TRAILHAWK – $45,620
The big difference with the Trailhawk is that it’s your go-to for off-road exploring. Jeep’s latest off-roading technology includes the Quadra-Drive® II 4×4 System with an electronic limited-slip differential.
OVERLAND – $46,960
The Overland trim is really a luxury version of the Limited, since it includes the luxury package option. That gives you a better grade of leather on the heated seats and dash, as well as Jeep’s air suspension. It also includes an excellent sound system plus 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof.
HIGH ALTITUDE – $49,905
The High Altitude adds in a pano sunroof and black Nappa perforated leather seats. For safety, you’ll enjoy the standard ProTech 2 package that includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assist.
SUMMIT – $53,310
Moving up to the Summit gets you a luxurious interior with a suede-like headliner, Berber carpet, and premium Laguna leather seating. It also comes standard with Harmon Kardon audio system includes a 10-inch subwoofer and 19 high-performance speakers.
SRT – $69,410
The SRT is our favorite, because it gives the utility of a Grand Cherokee with the power of a sports car. Jeep stuffs a massive high-performance 6.4L V8 that churns out 475 horsepower. Inside the SRT is performance bolstered leather seats with suede inserts and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The 20-inch satin carbon aluminum wheels with run-flat tires and Brembo brakes will stop you safely.
TRACKHAWK – $87,915
The Trackhawk trim adds the Supercharged 6.2L V8 engine with launch control and a torque reserve system that will hurtle you to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. With over 700 HP, you will have to work hard at finding a faster SUV.
Warranties
No 100,000-mile warranties here. Just a 3 year/36,000-mile basic and a 5 year/60,000-mile powertrain. With competition heating up in the warranty and service areas, we hope that Jeep will eventually provide the 2-year complimentary service offered from its competitors such as Toyota.
What we think
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Carsforsale.com
At top trim levels, the interior is luxurious and beautiful. Other than the amazing air suspension and an AWD system that’s also available on other trims, it would be hard to pay the cash for $20,000 worth of leather, style, a larger engine, and convenience. Save the luxury for your sedan, because any other Grand Cherokee trim over $40,000 will get you exactly what you need for road and trail. This is a Jeep and it wants to get dirty.
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