The Jeep Grand Cherokee L presents another intriguing option in the premium SUV segment.
Off-road capable SUVs have seen a huge market shift in recent years. There are still a handful of SUVs that can scale a rock face at your earliest convenience, but most of the crop has since become jacked-up city cruisers festooned with new tech and creature comforts.
These ‘posers’ might not be good offroad, but consumers are opening their wallets in droves to drive off the lot in the latest and greatest in tall luxury.
Jeep could have done the same with the Grand Cherokee, but even with a shift towards luxury, the Grand Cherokee L retains that quintessential Jeep status quo to take on the wild when called upon.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L presents a facade that respects its roots. It continues to embrace its iconic boxy shape, now refined with chiselled lines that add a touch of modernity without straying into the ephemeral realms of futuristic design.
The front is dominated by Jeep’s legendary grille, and surrounded by a suite of LED lights that assert its presence on any road—or off it.
Sitting proudly on 20-inch wheels, which look almost modest in its large wheel arches, the Grand Cherokee L’s stature is imposing. It manages to strike that rare balance; sophisticated yet rugged, contemporary yet timeless.
Stepping into the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is like entering a well-appointed living room. The expansive interior is a showcase of plush leather and polished wood, creating an ambience that’s both luxurious and robust.
Jeep has mastered the fine art of crafting an SUV that feels as grand inside as it looks from the outside with this iteration.
The thrones in the front row are equipped with everything from cooling to massage functions, catering to your every whim. Meanwhile, the second row isn’t left behind, now featuring heating options and enhanced by the ability to flatten at the touch of a button.
Because this is the Cherokee L, you get three rows for occupant hauling. The third row is respectably large thanks to the tall roofline, so you can even chuck a few smaller adults in the back and they wouldn’t really complain.
Even with the seats up, the boot can still manage a golf bag or two. This flexibility is key in an SUV where the daily demands can range from carrying passengers to hauling cargo.
The infotainment system has received a much-needed overhaul, making it more user-friendly. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is responsive and smartly accompanied by quick menu buttons below, streamlining the user interface while still providing physical controls for those who prefer them.
Jeep’s new gear rotary dial is easy to use, albeit a bit too sensitive at times. The plethora of cameras and sensors makes parking the hefty SUV a less daunting task, providing a 360-degree view that ensures you fit into those tight spots without a hitch.
While it may not include a wireless charger, the Grand Cherokee L doesn’t skimp on connectivity, offering an array of USB ports and even a 120V outlet to keep all your devices charged up and ready to go.
The original Grand Cherokee I tested a while back only had a measly 4-pot up front, which was woefully underpowered given the car’s heft. The Cherokee L thankfully steps it up to a Pentastar V6, so calm down blue-blooded Americans.
The V6 musters 282hp and 344Nm of torque, hitting the century mark in 7.7 seconds. Despite its substantial size, the Cherokee L’s ability to swiftly zip from zero to hero is pretty impressive.
Partnered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, this SUV shifts seamlessly from a composed cruiser to a spirited sprinter when you’re racing against time to catch a flight or get to the kids’ soccer game on time, albeit with high revs and dwindling fuel economy.
Ride quality in the Cherokee L is generally plush, thanks to its soft suspension setup perfect for taming the less-tamed trails. Off-road, it’s an absolute beast, confident on terrains that would make other SUVs quiver.
You’ve got a range of four-wheel-drive options that can handle anything from mild dirt tracks to the sort of rocky ascents that would seem more at home in a mountain goat’s daily commute.
But, high-speed cornering introduces more body roll than a barrel down a hill, and maintaining high speeds on the highway can be nerve-wracking, with every steering adjustment and bump in the road sending ripples through the cabin.
Yet, despite its bulk, the Grand Cherokee L is surprisingly manageable in tighter spaces, thanks to its expansive mirrors and minimal blind spots. It’s even decked out with sensors and a 360-degree camera to keep those pesky motorbike ninjas in check.
However, while Jeep’s lane keep assist does provide an extra layer of safety, its performance can be hit-or-miss on our narrower roads, often leading to a tussle for control when changing lanes.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is not just another fake sporty SUV, and its trail-conquering ability gives it genuine clout that most other posers can only dream of.
This is where Jeeps gets compelling. The Grand Cherokee L doesn’t just promise the comfort expected in city commutes or highway jaunts; it also pledges to keep its end of the bargain when the road turns to trail.
That is why this is arguably the best Grand Cherokee Jeep has ever produced. And it’s one that can square up to the competition and win.
Technical Specifications
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Engine: 3,604cc Pentastar V6
Power: 282bhp
Torque: 344Nm
Drive Type: Selectable All-Wheel Drive
Gearbox: 8-Speed Automatic
0-100km/h: 7.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 210km/h
Fuel Economy: 8.3km/L (claimed)
Price: S$380,888 (Limited), S$430,888 (Summit Reserve), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Jeep Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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