Take a look at the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. We compare trim levels, powertrains and technology to see if it’s the SUV for you.
Jeep hasn’t added much for 2023 to the Grand Cherokee L and that’s ok because last year’s model was already impressive. What changes it has made is to include navigation in more models and to open up premium audio systems to more trim levels.
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Great technology
Lavish cabin
Solid engines
Limited towing capability
Poor fuel economy
Pricey upper trims
Surprisingly good
Every Grand Cherokee L comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Above that is an available V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines send power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup except in the case of the top trim Summit Reserve where 4WD is standard. The rest of the lineup can be equipped with 4WD for those who desire it.
Jeep offers three main versions of 4WD. The first is Quadra-Trac I which is about as normal as a 4WD system gets. It has a single-speed transfer case and no low-range gearing. Above that is Quadra-Trac II which adds a two-speed transfer case and a neutral mode. Finally, Quadra-Drive II is largely identical to Quadra-Trac II but adds fully automatic high-range 4WD.
In our eyes, the V6 with 4WD is likely the way to go. The Grand Cherokee L handles fine for an SUV of this size but the V8 doesn’t add enough in our eyes to justify its addition. Of course, those who tow regularly might appreciate its additional 1,000 pounds of towing capacity. Both versions feel comfortable and composed on the road. We also appreciate how quiet the cabin is and how insulated it feels from the road surface. The transmission is smooth and 4WD versions switch into different modes quickly and easily.
The base engine in the Grand Cherokee L can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. That’s a bit low for the segment so it’s nice that the V8 version adds another 1,000 pounds of towing capacity for a total of 7,200.
Being a large SUV, the Grand Cherokee L doesn’t get the greatest fuel economy numbers ever. It also doesn’t benefit from the hybrid powertrain found in the Grand Cherokee 4xe. The best EPA estimates show 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway for the Grand Cherokee L. Equipping it with the V8 drops those figures to 14 and 22 respectively.
The inside of the Grand Cherokee L is largely a positive experience but let’s get the rough stuff out of the way first. The piano-black plastic finish found on some surfaces is a cheap material that degrades the experience. The plastic trim elsewhere is pretty obvious too but thankfully, it’s kept to a minimum when compared to other brands. The rest of the cabin is a great experience. The seating is comfortable and spacious including the third row. The switchgear feels great to use and isn’t oversized like a Fisher-Price toy car either.
The climate control is subtle but strong and the quad-zone system works surprisingly well. We also love the inclusion of an available sunroof across the entire trim. A dual pane panoramic version is also available on upper trim levels. The second-row captain’s chairs are also available with ventilation which is very rare in this class. The front row seats can be equipped with massaging too. This is a seriously luxurious SUV and lives up to all the aspirations it had when the Grand Cherokee first arrived on the scene. Cargo space is solid too with 17.2 cu-ft behind the third row and up to 84.6 cu-ft with the seats folded flat.
The base Grand Cherokee L and the Altitude trim come with a smallish 8.4-inch infotainment system, six speakers, and not much else. While we like the Uconnect 5 interface and appreciate the inclusion of Android and Apple connectivity but it’s just a bit too small for the cabin in our eyes. Buyers can add a rear-seat infotainment system for $1,695.
Thankfully, the rest of the lineup is treated to a 10.1-inch infotainment system which looks a lot sharper and is more proportional to the rest of the interior. It also includes integrated navigation and buyers can even add an interactive front-passenger display for $1,095. It’s one of the coolest features on the market and will immediately make the Jeep Grand Cherokee L stand out among rivals.
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has released any safety scores for the Grand Cherokee L. For now, customers will need to rely on the safety suite in the SUV to help them decide. Thankfully, it’s quite comprehensive with standard adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and forward collision mitigation
The Grand Cherokee L is available in all the same trims as its smaller non-L version. Also the same is the fact that the bottom five trims come with RWD as standard while 4WD is optional. The Summit Reserve at the top of the list gets 4WD as standard. The V6 is standard across the lineup though the Overland and Summit trims also open up the V8 so long as it’s paired with 4WD.
The base Grand Cherokee L comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, roof rails, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, sliding second-row captain’s chairs, keyless entry, push-button start, a digital gauge cluster, an 8.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and six speakers. Blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control are also standard.
This trim adds a unique grille, gloss-black exterior accents, 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, heated seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, and a wireless charging pad.
The Grand Cherokee L Limited gets a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, heated second-row seats, and ambient interior lighting.
The Overland adds capability in the form of a hands-free liftgate, front tow hooks, a power-adjustable steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a power-folding third row, leather upholstery, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension.
This trim gets a 10.1-inch infotainment system, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings and massage, quad-zone automatic climate control, a lane-centering system, an automated parking system, a surround-view camera, and access to a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system.
The top trim gets that sound system as standard along with 21-inch wheels, a front-passenger interactive display, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated second-row seats, and standard 4WD.
Every Grand Cherokee L comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty in conjunction with a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. On top of that, Jeep offers three years of complimentary maintenance which is great.
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The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is one of the better SUVs in its class. In fact, it would’ve been one of our favorites if it didn’t lose out to its even more lavish sibling the Grand Wagoneer L. It’s a bit pricey but it offers a lot of equipment, outstanding safety features, and great technology too. We highly suggest checking out our article on new car incentives if you’re in the market.