The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L packs more in-car, off-road tech

With more than seven million in global sales for the Grand Cherokee nameplate, Jeep wants to continue that with the all-new Grand Cherokee L. The SUV offers seating for six or seven for the first time, and packs more 4x4 capability and a host of advanced technology features.

That legendary off-road capability begins with the Grand Cherokee L's three 4x4 systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip-differential (eLSD).

Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed active transfer case that uses input from multiple sensors in the vehicle that adjust torque distribution, and will continue to  make corrections if tire slip occurs. When wheel slip is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

The Quadra-Trac II’s two-speed active transfer case with low-range gear reduction uses the Active 4-Low torque control. That particular feature has a with 2.72:1 gear ratio to improve off-road maneuverability, Jeep said. 

Quadra-Drive II, with a two-speed active transfer case and rear eLSD, instantly detects tire slip and distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and pre-emptively adjust in order to limit or eliminate tire slip. 

Quadra-Lift is the Grand Cherokee L's air suspension with electronic adaptive damping. It adds or decreases ground clearance depending on conditions, and for water fording. The system also automatically adjusts the shock tuning to changing road conditions for enhanced comfort, stability, and control.

For example, Quadra-Lift raises the suspension by an additional 1.6 inches, for a total of 9.9 inches worth of ground clearance when the SUV is taken off road. The system's Park Mode lowers the SUV by 1.8 inches for easy ingress or egress. 

The standard engine in the Grand Cherokee L is an all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, rated at 293hp and 352Nm of torque.  For more power, a 5.7-liter V8 is available with 357hp and 528Nm of torque that's "delivered over a broad power band." 

A plug-in hybrid version, similar to the Wrangler, is slated to be launched later in the year. 

Inside, a shiny trim frames a 10.1-inch display for the new Uconnect 5 system. Also new is a 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster with nearly two dozen different menus from which the user can select driver-assist technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, highway assist, night vision, drowsy driver detection, and speed limit traffic signs display

With the Grand Cherokee L, Jeep said it's currently the only automotive brand in the world to carry a McIntosh audio system. The premium audio system features a 17-channel amplifier with a maximum output of 950 watts and 19 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer, to envelop vehicle occupants in "high-definition sound."

For Grand Cherokee L models with standard captain chairs, they flank a new second-row console that provides storage and cup holders. The console was designed to be as user-friendly and space efficient for third-row occupants as possible.

For all models, the rear cabin features soft armrests color-keyed to the leather seats, additional storage and cup holders, plus a "class-leading" number of 12 USB Type A and Type C ports for wireless devices. 

Photos from Stellantis

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