The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a leader in the midsize SUV segment since its debut in 1993, giving drivers an ideal mix of performance, style, luxury, and off-road performance that other brands struggle to match. While the model has always been roomy, Jeep upped the ante in 2021 by introducing the Grand Cherokee L, an all-new, three-row version of the beloved SUV that boasts enough room for the whole family. With seating for up to seven and 142 cu.ft. of passenger volume, the 2023 model is grand in every sense of the word, with a raft of borderline-luxury features complementing the model's storied performance credentials.
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a fitting celebration of the model's four decades on the market, giving drivers a fresh chance to appreciate everything there is to love about this illustrious SUV. So what can drivers expect from the new Grand Cherokee L, and how does it stack up regarding performance, trims, and four-wheel drive offerings?
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Jeep has built its reputation on a rugged, go-anywhere attitude, making the brand the preferred SUV for the off-road set. Of course, when you're seeking the best in off-road performance, traction is vital, which is why Jeep's four-wheel drive (4WD) systemāor, should we say, systemsāare such an important part of every model.
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes with three distinct 4WD offerings: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. Designed to tackle everything from bumpy dirt roads to boulder-strewn fields, steep inclines, and muddy trails, these 4WD systems allow drivers to live out the off-road adventures of their dreams with the sort of confidence that one can only experience behind the wheel of a Jeep. So what are these three systems, and how do they compare? Let's dive in and take a closer look at the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II.
We'll start with Quadra-Trac I, Jeep's base 4WD system for the 2023 Grand Cherokee L. The single-speed, full-time, high-range AWD setup is always engaged, which means no fiddling with controls when the going gets rough. The Quadra-Trac I system is rear-wheel biased, featuring a centrally located differential that splits the power between the front and rear axles; the front end of the vehicle receives 48% of the power from the V6 or V8 engine, while the other 52% is transferred to the rear axle.
Open differentials and a traction control system allow the Grand Cherokee L to shift power between the right and left wheels by engaging the brake on the wheel with the least traction, preventing wheel slippage by redirecting the torque to the other wheels and ensuring a safer ride all around. This AWD approach can make all the difference when you're facing challenging weather conditions, offering a level of traction and control that you simply won't find on front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles.
Quadra-Trac II represents a step up from the base Quadra-Trac I system, allowing drivers to take advantage of some advanced features that can go a long way in improving your chances of off-road success. Like the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II features a brake-based traction control system and a 48:52 rear bias, although the latter enjoys a little more flexibility than its entry-level predecessor. The Quadra-Trac II employs an advanced two-speed transfer case with an electronically controlled clutch pack and center differential that allows the system to direct all the torque to the front or rear axle whenever it's needed, meaning that 48:52 ratio can be toyed with to your heart's content.
Quadra-Trac II also uses a complex system of sensors to detect wheel slippage, comes with five dedicated modes (Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock), and is designed with a selectable low-range mode that gives you the gearing you need to crawl through soft surfaces, snow, and mud with ease. Available as an optional extra on all other Jeep Grand Cherokee L trims, Quadra-Trac II marks a significant improvement over Quadra-Trac II for any drivers who see some significant off-roading in their future.
Topping the list of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's AWD offerings is Quadra-Drive II. Standard on the range-topping Summit trim and available as an optional extra for the Overland, Quadra-Drive II allows the Jeep to be at its best with a host of rugged components and features designed for off-road dominance. Quadra-Drive II is built with the same transfer case you'll find on the Quadra-Trac II system but raises the stakes with a rear electronic limited-slip differential. This feature lets the Grand Cherokee L use its power as efficiently as possible, transferring torque wherever it's needed to limit slippage.
Instead of employing the brake lock differential method found on the Quadra-Trac system, Quadra-Drive II uses a complex system of sensors to continually monitor for wheel slippage, redistributing power where it's needed in the blink of an eye. In addition to increasing off-road traction, the limited-slip differential also limits the amount of wear on the tires and axle shaft, meaning fewer costly replacements down the road. Quadra-Drive II adds Hill-Descent Control as well as a Rock mode to the five driving modes found on the Quadra-Trac II, making the 2023 Grand Cherokee L the master of any terrain it might encounter.
Jeep has rolled out two intriguing engine offerings for 2023, giving drivers a chance to choose between a spritely, efficient V6 and a hulking HEMI V8 that prioritizes power and performance above all else. That said, those in the market for a cleaner, greener version of the Grand Cherokee should check out the Grand Cherokee 4xe, a full-size hybrid version of the famous SUV powered by a 17.3-kWh battery and a 2.0L inline-four turbocharged engine.
As far as the Grand Cherokee L is concerned, it all starts with Jeep's 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, a lightweight, compact powerhouse that produces 294 hp along with 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine goes a long way in spurring the hefty Grand Cherokee L into action, whichāat 4,500 to 5,000 lbsāis especially impressive. The Pentastar V6 comes standard on every Grand Cherokee L model, where it's perfectly paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers the sort of prompt, responsive shift change that makes this SUV so fun to drive.
When equipped with the V6, the Grand Cherokee L boasts an impressive towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, which significantly ups this model's utility for those who see a lot of weighty towing tasks in their future. The Pentastar V6 is the thriftiest Grand Cherokee L engine on offer for 2023āno small accomplishment when you consider the SUV's dimensions and weightāwith an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. With a zero-to-sixty time of 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 117 mph, the V6-equipped Grand Cherokee L isn't the quickest version on offer, but it is one of the most versatile, delivering legendary Jeep performance without requiring drivers to constantly be on the hunt for the nearest gas station.
If you're the type of driver who's in the mood for a little more power, your ears should perk up at the word "HEMI." Available on the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, the Jeep's 5.7L HEMI V8 is the Grand Cherokee L at its most powerful, giving drivers all the brute force they need to power through rough trails, get out of sticky spots, and cruise the highway in style. With 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque to its name, the V8-equipped Grand Cherokee L is the SUV at its sportiest, rocketing drivers from zero to sixty in 6.2 seconds despite the model's relative bulk. The Jeep has a governor-regulated top speed of 119 mph, which should be more than enough for your daily commute.
Given its larger size, the V8 obviously lags behind the V6 in fuel economy, posting an EPA-estimated 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway; that said, the V8 utilizes a neat trick to even the playing field a bit. The HEMI is designed with a cylinder deactivation feature that automatically switches off half the engine when the situation doesn't call for all eight cylinders. This kind of tech is becoming increasingly common across all vehicle segments, giving drivers a chance to save a little money at the pump without ever feeling underpowered. Like the V6, the 5.7L V8 engine is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission but offers much more in the way of towing capacity, with a max towing rating of 7,200 lbsā1,000 more than the smaller V6.
Jeep has rolled out two intriguing engine offerings for 2023, giving drivers a chance to choose between a spritely, efficient V6 and a hulking HEMI V8 that prioritizes power and performance above all else. That said, those in the market for a cleaner, greener version of the Grand Cherokee should check out the Grand Cherokee 4xe, a full-size hybrid version of the famous SUV powered by a 17.3-kWh battery and a 2.0L inline-four turbocharged engine.
As far as the Grand Cherokee L is concerned, it all starts with Jeep's 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, a lightweight, compact powerhouse that produces 294 hp along with 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine goes a long way in spurring the hefty Grand Cherokee L into action, whichāat 4,500 to 5,000 lbsāis especially impressive. The Pentastar V6 comes standard on every Grand Cherokee L model, where it's perfectly paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers the sort of prompt, responsive shift change that makes this SUV so fun to drive.
When equipped with the V6, the Grand Cherokee L boasts an impressive towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, which significantly ups this model's utility for those who see a lot of weighty towing tasks in their future. The Pentastar V6 is the thriftiest Grand Cherokee L engine on offer for 2023āno small accomplishment when you consider the SUV's dimensions and weightāwith an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. With a zero-to-sixty time of 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 117 mph, the V6-equipped Grand Cherokee L isn't the quickest version on offer, but it is one of the most versatile, delivering legendary Jeep performance without requiring drivers to constantly be on the hunt for the nearest gas station.
If you're the type of driver who's in the mood for a little more power, your ears should perk up at the word "HEMI." Available on the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, the Jeep's 5.7L HEMI V8 is the Grand Cherokee L at its most powerful, giving drivers all the brute force they need to power through rough trails, get out of sticky spots, and cruise the highway in style. With 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque to its name, the V8-equipped Grand Cherokee L is the SUV at its sportiest, rocketing drivers from zero to sixty in 6.2 seconds despite the model's relative bulk. The Jeep has a governor-regulated top speed of 119 mph, which should be more than enough for your daily commute.
Given its larger size, the V8 obviously lags behind the V6 in fuel economy, posting an EPA-estimated 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway; that said, the V8 utilizes a neat trick to even the playing field a bit. The HEMI is designed with a cylinder deactivation feature that automatically switches off half the engine when the situation doesn't call for all eight cylinders. This kind of tech is becoming increasingly common across all vehicle segments, giving drivers a chance to save a little money at the pump without ever feeling underpowered. Like the V6, the 5.7L V8 engine is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission but offers much more in the way of towing capacity, with a max towing rating of 7,200 lbsā1,000 more than the smaller V6.
From the affordable Laredo to the rugged Overland and luxurious range-topping Summit Reserve, there's a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L out there to fit every driver and budget. Jeep has rolled out eight different trim options for the new model year, meaning there are plenty of choices for those in the market for a family-friendly SUV. With so many choices, it can be difficult to narrow down your search, but we've compiled some highlights of each trim to make the process just a little easier.
Starting just above $40k, the Laredo trim is the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Powered by a 3.6L V6 engine with 290 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque, the Laredo delivers all the power a driver needs for a fun day on the road, not to mention a max towing rating of 6,200 lbs. The Laredo packs in an impressive suite of luxurious feats for a base model, including acoustic lamination on the windshield and door glass, as well as Jeep's keyless Enter-N-Go technology.
This model includes second-row buckets seats, but those looking to accommodate an extra passenger can opt for a bench seat that ups this Jeep's capacity to seven. On the tech side, the Laredo comes with all the expected safety and Jeep's ProTech I advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), as well as the Uconnect 5 infotainment system delivered through an 8.4-inch color touchscreen. This entry-level model also punches well above its price point with a digital instrument cluster, bringing a taste of sci-fi futurism to the dashboard.
For a small additional investment, drivers can enjoy a massively upgraded Jeep Grand Cherokee L in the form of the Altitude trim. The model sees a number of improvements to the SUV's style and interior, with a 20-inch gloss black wheel, gloss black exterior accents, and a one-of-a-kind seven-slot grille, giving the Jeep a sportier appearance when compared to the Laredo. On the interior, drivers and passengers alike will enjoy the heated leather steering wheel and front seats, leather-trimmed seats with microsuede inserts, and improved tech features like a wireless charging pad, third-row dual USB ports, and a remote vehicle start system.
If you're trying to improve your sense of safety and security when you're behind the wheel, the Limited trim is worth a closer look. In addition to the Jeep Grand Cherokee L's long list of standard safety and ADAS equipment, Limited drivers will get access to a higher tier of ADAS dubbed ProTech II, along with LED fog lamps, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver's seat memory function that includes the side mirrors. This means that, every time you step into the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, it'll adjust to your exact specifications, ensuring a safe and consistent driving experience.
The Limited trim also adds ambient LED interior lighting, eight-way power front seats, heated second-row seats, and a universal garage door opener. Those who value their screen time will appreciate the larger, 10.1-inch touchscreen display, and Jeep has also thrown in HD radio as an added bonus.
The Overland is where the Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts to edge into luxury territory with a host of high-end features that elevate the driving experience, but we're most excited about the chance to add the optional 5.7L HEMI V8. Setting this 357-hp engine aside, we're also intrigued by the Overland's Nappa leather upholstery and nine-speaker 506-watt Alpine audio system, not to mention the third-row 50/50 power-folding seat, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Jeep has also gone a bit LED-wild in the Overland, installing them in everything from the dual-function premium reflector headlamps and front corner LED lamps to the multi-color ambient interior lighting and daytime running lamps. The Overland also comes standard with Jeep's ParkSense front and rear park assist, which makes squeezing this 205-inch SUV into tight spaces easier than ever.
As the Jeep Grand Cherokee L's penultimate trim, the Summit is almost like a 4WD spa on wheels. From the premium leather and four-zone automatic climate control to the wood and leather steering wheel and 16-way power front seats with back massager, the Summit provides a significant opportunity to relax and enjoy the ride. In case you start relaxing too much, Jeep has thrown in a Drowsy Driver Detection System that monitors the driver's steering inputs, sending alerts with audio and visual cues and activating the steering wheel and brakes if action isn't taken.
As one might expect, the Summit also pulls out all the stops when it comes to tech features, with Jeep generously including a lane-keeping system, limited hands-free driving, and a surround-view camera that stitches together video feeds from around the exterior to give drivers a unique, birds-eye-view of the SUV that comes in very handy when trying to park or hitch up a trailer. Optional extras range from a heads-up display and wireless charging pad to a night-vision camera and digital rearview mirror.
While the 10.1-inch display doesn't get a boost over the lower trims, it is complemented by an interactive display for the front-seat passenger. This touchscreen can be used to display the navigation system as well as exterior and interior camera feeds, but it's its HDMI port that really has us intrigued. Passengers can connect their phone, tablet, or other device to the screen, giving them the ability to watch their favorite media on the go. It's an innovative feature, so much so that it took home the Popular Science "Best of What's New" award upon its debut in 2022.
The Summit Reserve might be the most expensive Grand Cherokee L on offer for 2023, but Jeep has managed to justify the nearly $70k price tag by outfitting the SUV with every gizmo, gadget, and safety feature known to man. Ventilated front- and second-row seats improve comfort on long summer rides, while the Palermo leather lends a decidedly premium feel to the interior. The sumptuous leather upholstery is accented by Nappa leather door trim and a deluxe headliner that gives the dash an opulent feel, and a 19-speaker McIntosh high-performance audio system provides drivers and passengers with the best possible fidelity for those all-important commute karaoke sessions. The exterior gets a handsome set of 21-inch machined-face-painted aluminum wheels, and the addition of Quadra-Drive II as a standard feature means that they'll stay firmly planted on the road at all times.