New Jeep Grand Cherokee unveiled

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a cornerstone of the US off-road brand’s line-up, but the existing fourth-generation model is now distinctly long in the tooth, having held the fort for a decade – twice the usual model cycle.

The SUV that was previously a major player on the Australian sales charts but also subject to at least 20 safety recalls since launch in 2011, has now emerged in fifth-generation guise ahead of a late-2021 or early-2022 local release – and is touted as a game-changer in every facet.

Whereas the outgoing model shared its core architecture with the W166 Mercedes-Benz ML (later GLE), the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee uses underpinnings derived from the ‘Giorgio’ unibody platform that forms the basis for the accomplished Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio.

The other big news regarding the debutant is the addition – belatedly – of a three-row, seven-seat variant, dubbed Grand Cherokee L, that will take the fight to the likes of the Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Kluger, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9, Audi Q7 et al.

The Grand Cherokee L is expected to be the key launch variant for Australia.

Jeep claims the all-new vehicle architecture – comprising independent front and rear suspension and optional ‘Quadra-Lift’ air suspension with electronic adaptive damping – delivers class-leading off-roading capability without compromising on-road comfort and handling.

Crucially, the new Grand Cherokee offers more ground clearance (up to 277mm) and greater water fording capability (610mm) than its predecessors, which bodes well for its all-terrain prowess. V8-powered models offer a towing capacity of 3266kg, so hauling a large boat or caravan is also well within its brief.

Depending on how often and how far you venture off-road, the new Grand Cherokee will be offered with a choice of three 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II) and a Selec-Terrain traction management system with five terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud/Sand).

Jeep says all three systems are equipped with an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to work with the wheel with the most grip, while Quadra-Drive II adds a rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) to the mix.

Although retaining familiar Jeep exterior styling cues, such as the trademark seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel-arches, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has thoroughly contemporary design language, with LED lights all-around and a more tapered and streamlined profile for better aerodynamics.

During the vehicle’s online reveal, Jeep’s head of exterior design Mark Allen equated visibility with luxury and, consequently, the new Grand Cherokee features a low beltline and generous glasshouse to provide occupants with a good view in all directions.

The Grand Cherokee’s tracks have also been widened by 36mm, endowing the vehicle with a beefier footprint than its predecessor.

Among the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee firsts is the optional availability of 21-inch rims, while a blacked-out roof is also available for a stealthier look.

Jeep is keen to emphasise the all-American roots of the Grand Cherokee, so another new addition is a small Stars and Stripes badge on each of the front doors.

The new Grand Cherokee will initially be offered with a choice of two engines that are carried over from the existing model – a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 (217kW/348Nm) and a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 (266kW/529Nm).

Both units are mated to a ZF-built eight-speed automatic transmission, which is also retained from the current Grand Cherokee.

It’s a safe bet that high-performance SRT and Trackhawk versions – powered by a 6.4-litre V8 and 6.2-litre supercharged V8 respectively – will join the range in due course.

We also understand that a decision on a diesel powertrain is still to be made.

Interior upgrades

There’s nothing carryover about the cabin as it’s been thoroughly revamped and features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with virtual gauges replacing conventional dials, while the 10.1-inch screen on the centre console has touch-screen functions for the audio system, LED ambient lighting, driver and front passenger seat massage and personalised climate zones.

Inspired by the flagship Jeep Grand Wagoneer concept, albeit without quite so many LCD screens, the interior of the new Grand Cherokee been pushed upmarket.

Jeep boasts the new Grand Cherokee has more than 110 safety and security features, including a raft of driver-assist systems, along with 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras.

There is also a digital rear-view mirror in lieu of a conventional reflective one. It features an LCD screen that displays an image from a rear-mounted camera, so you get a view that’s unimpeded by the rear roof pillars and tailgate.

The digital gauge cluster offers nearly two dozen different menus from which the user can select (via the multifunction steering wheel), including driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, highway assist, night vision, drowsy driver detection and traffic sign speed limit display (if equipped).

In addition, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is claimed to have the most advanced Uconnect system ever with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, windshield head-up display (HUD), rear seat monitoring camera and a premium 960W, 19-speaker McIntosh audio sound system.

Overall cabin ambience takes a discernible step up in terms of its premium feel, especially in the new Summit Reserve Package, which features hand-wrapped, quilted Palermo leather, open-pore Waxed Walnut wood and every mod-con on the menu.

The seven-seat Grand Cherokee L is billed as the most spacious vehicle in its class, with the SUV’s 3091mm wheelbase claimed to provide class-leading legroom in the second row.

Folding down the 50/50-split third row seats yields 1328 litres of luggage space, while folding down the second row as well provides a flat-floor cargo space of 2396 litres.

The Grand Cherokee L is also touted as the first FCA vehicle to feature an electronic remote release in the rear cargo area to fold the second row bench seats flat. The feature is standard on Overland and Summit model grades.

The new-gen Grand Cherokee is expected to launch in Australia late in the final quarter of this year, or early in 2022, with pricing likely to range from $60K to $90K, excluding on-road costs.

A spokesperson for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia said: “The product specifications of the Grand Cherokee L revealed today are specific to North America. We will provide more information on the timing and specifications of the Grand Cherokee L for Australia closer to the local launch.”