2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Deep Dive: A Real Three-Row Jeep?

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the brand’s first three-row SUV in a long time. Over a decade to be exact because the last Jeep with a third row was the old Commander, which was discontinued in the 2010 model year. This latest generation Grand Cherokee marks the return of a Jeep that can seat more than five people and the first time an SUV wearing the Grand Cherokee badge is available with a third row. When it goes on sale later this year, the Grand Cherokee L will come to market first followed by its five-seat sibling.

For the latest generation, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is no longer related to the existing Dodge Durango. This SUV is still recognizable as a Jeep but it now has a more modern look that’s reminiscent of the larger Grand Wagoneer. As before, the Grand Cherokee’s looks change based on which trim you get. The rugged versions look tougher while the street-oriented ones are cleaner and more luxurious. Overland models are distinguished by their tow hooks while the range-topping Summit models get different grille inserts, lots of chrome, and an LED fog light strip. At a little over 204 inches long, the Grand Cherokee L is on the larger end of the midsize three-row crossover segment. Blame the length for the long hood made to accommodate longitudinally-mounted V8 engines. However, that added length also gives the SUV a presence that not many of its competitors have

Standard on all 2022 Grand Cherokee L models is a full suite of driver assistance features including front and rear automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. You can further upgrade it so that collision prevention features work at intersections and junctions. Hands-free semi-autonomous highway driving assistance (late availability) and driver attention warning are also available.

Inside you’ll find a completely new interior that continues to straddle the mainstream and luxury segments. The second row can be had as either captain’s chairs or a bench; the former, slide, recline and will enable you to move them with the child seat installed. Jeep gave the 2022 Grand Cherokee L the UConnect 5 interface, with a large main display. This is the same unit found on the refreshed Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Durango and the upcoming Wagoneer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is also the first Jeep to offer an available massage function for the front seats.

Two engines will be initially available: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. Both are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy ratings for the V6 are  19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined in RWD guise and 19/25/21 mpg with 4WD. The V8 is the least efficient at 14/22/17 mpg with 4WD standard. Three different full-time systems will be offered on the Grand Cherokee L with some offering skid plates and a center locking differential. Towing capacity tops out at 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

Although the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the first model announced for the new generation, the two-row version isn’t that far behind. Jeep has also committed to electrification, confirming a plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee. We’re suspecting the Grand Cherokee PHEV to use the same powertrain as the Wrangler 4xe. Check back on June 17 when we can finally tell you how the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L drives on- and off-road!