The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L will be released in Australia in mid-2022 with three long-wheelbase variants, one petrol engine and an entry point north of $80,000 before on-road costs.
In Australia, the three-row ‘WL’ generation Grand Cherokee L will launch first, with a five-seat normal Grand Cherokee to follow later.
The release of the new Grand Cherokee was originally slated for late 2021 but was pushed into mid-2022 due to production delays for Australia.
Inside the Grand Cherokee Summit L you get plush leather
Measuring 5204mm long, 1979mm wide and riding on a 3091mm wheelbase, the stretched Grand Cherokee L is significantly longer (by 382mm) than the outgoing ‘WK’ Grand Cherokee.
With three rows of seating the new Grand Cherokee L is a rival for the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Kluger, though this fifth-generation model also has its sights set on upmarket competitors such as the Lexus RX 350 L and Land Rover Discovery.
The pricing structure reflects Jeep’s premium push, with a three-strong range priced from $82,550 before on-road costs for the Night Eagle base model with the Summit Reserve flagship costing $30K more at $115,450.
Previously a five-seat offering, the new seven-seat Grand Cherokee L sees prices rise by more than $22,000 compared to the outgoing ‘WK’ chassis – though cheaper five-seat models of the new ‘WL’ are expected to arrive in Australia later on.
Inside the Grand Cherokee’s tech pack is sharp
Jeep Australia managing director Kevin Flynn says the new model is “a landmark Jeep moment…truly premium in every sense of the word.”
We’ll check out that claim when we drive the new Grand Cherokee in a few months’ time.
Three variants ranging from $82K to $115K
The entry-level Night Eagle starts at $82,250 before on-road costs. For that price, Jeep includes plenty of kit such as 20-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, LED headlights, leather upholstery and eight-way power adjustable front seats with electric lumbar and heating.
Technology was a big focus for the new Grand Cherokee L and from Night Eagle up every vehicle gets a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital driver’s display and wireless smartphone charging also feature.
It’s only a small hop up to the Limited ($87,950 before on-road costs) which brings premium ‘Capri’ leather upholstery, ambient lighting, rear sunblinds and heated second row seating while outside are 20-inch alloy wheels with polished faces.
The Limited can be specced up with double sunroof and head-up display by selecting the $4250 Vision pack, while premium paint costs $1750 extra.
After the two lower-spec grades it’s a significant leap up to the $115,450 Summit Reserve with its 21-inch alloy wheels, contrast black roof, four-zone climate control, contrasting black roof, walnut wood trim, 19-speaker McIntosh stereo and 12-way power adjustable front seats with quilted leather upholstery.
The Summit Reserve is also equipped with height-adjustable (by up to 46mm) air suspension and adaptive dampers.
There is an odd spec quirk though: where the Night Eagle and Limited grades get wireless charging as part of the package, the Summit Reserve doesn’t.
To get wireless charging on the Summit Reserve you need to option the $5500 Advanced Technology pack that also brings a head-up display, night vision and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger.
Is the Grand Cherokee L capable off-road?
Much like Land Rover, Jeep prides itself on producing vehicles with true off-road chops and the Grand Cherokee L has plenty of smarts to back up this claim.
The Night Eagle and Limited feature Jeeps Quadra-Trac active 4WD system with a single-speed transfer case and open front and rear differentials.
The flagship Summit Reserve is equipped with more tech including the Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system that adds a low-speed transfer case, more selectable terrain modes and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
While there has been some suggestions that the new Cherokee L uses the Alfa Stelvio’s Giorgio platform, that isn’t exactly the case.
Jeep has also been hard at work with the Grand Cherokee’s safety package
The underpinnings of the new Grand Cherokee are set up by Jeep for off-road use and the Cherokee’s wheelbase is 273mm longer than the Alfa’s. Jeep’s SUV also feature double wishbone suspension up front and a five-link independent rear setup.
All Australian-delivered Grand Cherokees will use the 210kW/344Nm ‘Pentastar’ 3.6-litre petrol V6 hooked up to an eight-speed automatic with no turbo-diesel, petrol V8 or 4Xe plug-in hybrid options offered initially. Braked towing capacity is rated at 2813kg.
How safe is the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Every Grand Cherokee L grade is equipped with front AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control with stop and go.
Moving up to the Summit Reserve adds a 360-degree camera and more comprehensive ‘Highway Assist’ program with lane-trace assist.
With a full complement of active safety equipment, the Cherokee should be safe though the fifth-gen vehicle has yet to be crash-tested by ANCAP in Australia or the IIHS in America.
The Grand Cherokee L will go on-sale in Australia before July this year priced from $82,250 before on-road costs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- Night Eagle: $82,250
- Limited: $87,950
- Summit Reserve: $115,450
