Finding your way around the competitive mid-sized SUV market can be challenging, but the impressive specs and features on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offer a good place to start. Whether it’s interior comfort, strong off-roading chops, or powerful engines you’re looking for, the Grand Cherokee has you covered. Here’s a rundown of some of its best features.
High-Performance Engines and Powertrain
Starting with the Grand Cherokee‘s base V-6 engine capable of producing 295 horsepower, you have an impressive range of options to power your SUV. If you want extra towing capacity, step up to the 5.7-liter V-8, which can pull 7,200 pounds compared to the 6,200 pounds the base V-6 can manage.
Drivers looking for a faster ride are likely to be impressed by the Grand Cherokee’s two most powerful engine offerings: a 6.4-liter V-8 that will shift you from zero to 60 in about five seconds and a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that can do it in 3.5 seconds.
Jeep’s eight-speed automatic transmission has received praise from drivers for its smooth shifting, making for an even more enjoyable ride. The Jeep Renegade is more convenient and smaller SUV experience for those who still want a Jeep but want on a smaller scale.
Excellent Off-Roading Features
The Grand Cherokee’s multiple four-wheel-drive options offer power and stability for off-roading, even at the base level. In the base Laredo trim, the four-wheel-drive system splits power 50-50 between the front and rear wheels. Quadra-Trac II, the second four-wheel-drive option, adds low gears and a hill descent control for better performance on rough terrain. Quadra-Trac II is optional with the Laredo but comes as standard on the higher trims, apart from the speed-focused SRT and Trackhawk trims.
Seasoned off-roading enthusiasts have the option of the Quadra-Drive II system, which is available with the Trailhawk and Summit trims. The air suspension with this system allows you to increase the ground clearance of the Grand Cherokee to an impressive 11.3 inches.
Jeep hasn’t forgotten to include a four-wheel-drive option to suit its speedier, performance-oriented clientele. The SRT and Trackhawk trims are equipped with this system, which works with adaptive dampers to generate extra power.
Interior Comfort and Space
Five adults can comfortably fit into the Grand Cherokee’s spacious two rows of seating. Even passengers in the back row can enjoy over 38 inches of legroom and recline their seats up to 12 degrees. The second row of seats is also equipped for child car seats, with full LATCH connectors on the outer seats and a tether anchor in the middle.
For those of you searching for a third row of seating, the new Grand Cherokee L has just that. With 30 inches of legroom in the third row, the seats are ideal for kids to ride in. The Grand Cherokee L also possesses ample cargo storage.
Back in the two-row Grand Cherokee, you get over 36 cubic feet of storage behind the second row, which you can increase to over 64 cubic feet with the second row down.
On top of roomy seats, Jeep has appointed the interior with high-quality materials. The base Laredo trim has cloth seat coverings, but you can get leather and suede finishings by upgrading to the Limited trim or above.
Easy-To-Use Infotainment System
Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system features large icons and menus that are easy to navigate. The standard offering for the Grand Cherokee includes a 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and two USB ports. You can also listen to your favorite music or radio show through the standard six-speaker sound system.
If you want upgraded entertainment features, you can opt for an 8.4-inch touch screen and a nine-speaker stereo. The optional wireless hot spot and rear-seat media system that’s compatible with DVD and Blu-Ray can come in handy if you’re planning on taking longer trips.
Wide Range of Safety Features
With Jeep’s standard rearview camera and rear parking sensors, you’ll find it much easier to park your Grand Cherokee safely. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert systems offer you additional support behind the wheel.
You have the option of choosing from various safety add-ons, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The lane keep assist and lane departure warning are well worth having if you spend a lot of time on the highway.
Luxury Trims for Added Comfort
The Grand Cherokee isn’t just an ideal SUV for off-roaders. With 10 trims in total, it has features to suit almost any type of driver. If your priority is extra interior comfort, the Overland and Summit trims are well worth taking a closer look at.
The Overland gets ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a nine-speaker audio system. The panoramic sunroof adds an eye-catching feature to the cabin, while the rain-sensing windshield wipers give the driver one less thing to worry about when the weather changes. The summit adds to this with aluminum interior features and a more powerful 19-speaker sound system.
Top Trims for Lovers of Speed
If you want to combine the additional space and utility of the cabin with raw power, look to the Grand Cherokee’s SRT and Trackhawk trims.
In addition to its 475 horsepower V-8 engine, the SRT trim sports Brembo high-performance brakes, a flat-bottom steering wheel, adaptive suspension, and a limited-slip rear differential. The Trackhawk features all of this but ups the ante with the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that churns out 707 horsepower. Both the SRT and Trackhawk trims also benefit from extra supportive front seats to help you stay comfortable as you enjoy the speed and power generated by your Grand Cherokee’s V-8.
Now you have an idea of why Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is among the top vehicles in the midsize SUV market. If you still have questions about its performance or any of its wide range of trims, we’re here to help. At Huffines CJDR Lewisville, we’re looking forward to helping you pick out the right Grand Cherokee trim and tailor its features to meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule a test drive or to get the buying process started.
Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ