2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review: High-Tech Adventure

With its proven off-road proficiency, impressive on-road comfort, and its three-row cabin, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a genuine adventure vehicle that can accommodate the entire family. While the midsize SUV is a serene and composed on-road cruiser with loads of comforts and conveniences, models higher up in the range also come with more 4x4-capability-enhancing systems, including three versions of Jeep's 4WD setup. The Grand Cherokee L is luxurious, boasting a larger, more commodious cabin than its standard counterpart, and extends the occupancy rate to seven passengers by virtue of the third row. While it is a compelling offer, there are very many just as compelling midsize three-row SUVs in the USA - the Kia Sorento, GMC Acadia, and Mazda CX-9, to name just a few. Jeep has, however, applied several intriguing new updates for the new model year, but do they improve the Grand Cherokee L's appeal as a family cruiser, or do they just prove to be rather gimmicky?

What's the Price of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L?

In Laredo form, the price of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes in at $38,890. One step above this is the Altitude at $43,445 followed by the Limited at $45,210. The Overland goes for $54,805, the Summit is $58,865, and the Summit Reserve - the only one to get 4x4 as standard - comes in at $64,865. On models without 4x4, you can add this drivetrain for another $2,000. Of course, the V8 engine will also add to the bill on select 4x4 models. For instance, this engine upgrade will cost $3,295 on the Overland 4x4.

All prices are exclusive of any tax, licensing, and registration fees, as well as Jeep's $1,795 destination charge.

2022 Grand Cherokee L Exterior

Dimensions

2022 Grand Cherokee L Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The new Grand Cherokee L SUV is not one of the most pleasant cruisers on the road, with other premium SUVs and smaller crossovers offering easier drivability and better handling dynamics. The Grand Cherokee is just large and feels it. Its steering isn't communicative and there's plenty of body roll through the bends. That being said, the Grand Cherokee L does manage to stay impressively composed and soft over most road undulations and speed bumps. There's very little noise and vibration emitted through the cabin via the suspension - so while it's not the easiest SUV to drive, it is definitely one of the most comfortable.

Of course, the Grand Cherokee L isn't as adroit as the regular Grand Cherokee is off-road. With its significantly larger proportions and extended wheelbase, it's just a little more difficult to modulate over rough terrain. It is still quite capable though, with either the entry-spec Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, or Quadra-Drive II systems. Jeep's Selec-Terrain switch includes Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand drive modes that optimize the SUV's calibrations for those specific scenarios.

2022 Grand Cherokee L Interior

2022 Grand Cherokee L Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L A Good SUV?

Regular drivers and off-road enthusiasts alike admire the regular Jeep Grand Cherokee for its versatile and well-rounded nature. While the 2022 Grand Cherokee L does share the same traits as the regular version - with the benefits of a longer wheelbase - it may make a little less sense to some, particularly those who appreciate the SUV for its off-road prowess. Jeep extensively outfits the L with off-roading equipment, especially at the higher-spec levels, but with its notably larger dimensions and extended wheelbase, it just won't be as adroit as the regular version has proven to be. What those inflated proportions has done, however, is make the Grand Cherokee L one of the most commodious midsize three-row SUVs money can buy. So while it may not cater ideally to the 4x4 fans, it will certainly appeal to a family with a passion for adventure. It comes with numerous creature comforts and conveniences, and Jeep even offers some cool new tech elements centered around the entertainment of the passengers. Some may, however, argue that a passenger-side infotainment touchscreen and rear-passenger screens may be needless, considering the reality of smartphones. Whatever the case, the Grand Cherokee L is an impressive modern-day adventure vehicle that doubles down as a comfortable everyday family cruiser.

What New Jeep Grand Cherokee L Model Should I Buy?

When it comes to Jeep vehicles, we'd typically recommend that shoppers opt for the model that either best satisfies their needs in off-roading performance or the model that optimizes comfort, convenience, and luxury, and if they can afford it, the model that offers the best in both. But with the Grand Cherokee L being the larger and extended version of the Grand Cherokee, it's more of a passenger-focused SUV that we feel would make sense to prioritize comfort and convenience when choosing a model from the lineup. In this regard, the Limited makes the most sense with its heated steering wheel, heated front and second-row seats, and Capri leather upholstery adding to comfort, as well as its remote start system and power-adjustable front seats adding to convenience. The starting price of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUV in this guise comes in at $45,210. The Limited is also installed with Jeep's Selec-Terrain drive modes which can be fully utilized with the Quadra-Trac II system with the 4x4 setup opted in.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Comparisons

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Kia Telluride

Not only is the Kia Telluride an accomplished three-row SUV, but it's also one of the best family SUVs one can buy under $50,000. It's not as large or as spacious as the Grand Cherokee L, but it is still impressively commodious for a midsize SUV. It's fitted with a generous number of desirable features and technology. The 291-hp V6 motor under its hood is refined and a lot more fuel-efficient than the Jeep's V6 and V8 motors. It's more pleasant to drive than the Grand Cherokee L as it feels more like a compact car on the road than a bulky 5-door Jeep SUV. The Jeep is a lot more expensive but it is also a lot more luxurious. Along with its attractive pricing, oodles of features, and capacious cabin, the Kia Telluride has also earned itself some impressive safety ratings and a solid reliability track record. All in all, the Kia Telluride is the SUV to go for if you're looking for value and a truly comfortable family SUV. If you want a flashy premium vehicle and to bask in utter opulence, then the Grand Cherokee L is the better bet.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Jeep Wagoneer

If the Grand Cherokee L isn't fancy enough for you, then the new Wagoneer may just be the Jeep to reach your expectations. In terms of performance, the Wagoneer comes equipped with the same 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that the higher-spec variants of the Grand Cherokee L do, but this V8 is also augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid eTorque system that provides an additional 130 lb-ft of torque lower down in the engine's rev range. This makes it one of the most powerful luxury SUVs in the segment with outputs of 392 h and 404 lb-ft. The result is a towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs, easily surpassing the 7,200-lbs maximum of the Grand Cherokee L. In terms of comforts and conveniences, the Wagoneer comes extensively loaded with top-end features and tech from the outset, and also comes comprehensively installed with advanced driver-assist features and safety equipment. Starting at around $20,000 more than the Grand Cherokee L, the Wagoneer is far more expensive. But it's also one of the most comfortable and advanced SUVs on the road, so we'll take it if money was no object.