Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L fills a massive void in the automaker’s lineup. Now, consumers with large families can get into an SUV with three rows of seating and a Jeep badge. If seating for up to seven is what you’re after in Jeep’s regular lineup, the Grand Cherokee L is the only model on the list.

For 2022, Jeep has introduced the fully redesigned Grand Cherokee. The two-row midsize SUV is now an identical twin to the Grand Cherokee L. The two SUVs have similar designs, powertrains, and features. This can make choosing between the two models difficult. Shoppers looking at Jeep’s midsize SUVs may have a hard time determining which one is worth buying. We’ll compare the two Grand Cherokee models in this comparison to name a winner for most shoppers.

What the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Gets Right

Right off the bat, the Grand Cherokee L can seat up to seven people, while the Grand Cherokee maxes out at five. It’s not like people in the third row are being squeezed into the seats, either. Jeep’s designers have found a way to make the third row spacious enough for adults. For the midsize class, the Grand Cherokee L has one of the roomier third rows of seats that can accommodate adults.

Thanks to the Grand Cherokee L’s larger body, it offers more cargo space than the two-row Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee offers up to 70.8 cubic feet of total cargo space, while the Grand Cherokee L can hold up to 84.6 cubic feet of total cargo. With a standard third row of seats and a larger cargo area, the Grand Cherokee L is the better SUV for family use.

Despite coming with a standard third row of seats and a larger cabin, the Grand Cherokee L is only $190 more than the two-row model. We think this is a small asking price for the extra versatility.

What the Jeep Grand Cherokee Gets Right

As the smaller SUV, the new Grand Cherokee is easier to drive than the Grand Cherokee L. It’s 11.4 inches shorter than the Grand Cherokee L, which makes it easier to place on small roads and park in tight spaces.

Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee in an off-road-ready Trailhawk trim. With standard four-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, air suspension, tow hooks, skid plates, a sway bar, and a terrain management system, the Trailhawk is ready for some serious off-roading. The Grand Cherokee L isn’t available in a Trailhawk trim, which makes sense as its longer body isn’t suited for off-roading.

Both the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L share a lot of the same powertrains, except for the new plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s only available with the Grand Cherokee 4xe. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain also brings 25 miles of all-electric range.

Need More Seats

Now that the Grand Cherokee L and Grand Cherokee are identical twins again, choosing between the two models boils down to how many seats you need. If you have a family and need seven seats, the Grand Cherokee L is the model to get.

Our Verdict

Most people don’t need seven seats, which makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee the better option for most people. It’s available with a high-tech plug-in hybrid powertrain and a rugged Trailhawk trim that you won’t find with the Grand Cherokee L. Thanks to its smaller body, it’s also easier to drive.

Read Our Overview of the Jeep Grand Cherokee

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, photos and more!

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