Jeeps are a beloved mode of transport for many. Take a look at the options list for the Grand Cherokee and you’ll start to see why Jeeps are found not only crawling all over Earth, but parking in garages around the country. Whether you’re looking to off-road up to the mountains or simply want the comfort of heated leather seating as you trek through the snow, Jeep’s Grand Cherokee has a model to fit your needs.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps up the brand’s tradition while paving the way for a new generation in a few years’ time. We’ve put together this quick guide on the newest Grand Cherokee model to help you decide if it will make your shortlist. And if it’s not the right model for you, scroll down to our “Competitors” section below. You may find your next vehicle there instead. Either way, we recommend you test drive the 2021 Grand Cherokee at your local Jeep dealership.
Performance Specifications
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee seats up to 5 passengers and can be purchased in either rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. When equipped with a V6 engine, the 2021 Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds; V8 models can tow an additional 1,000 pounds on top of that.
An 8-speed automatic transmission represents where the similarities between all models of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee begin—and end. Powerplant options include a base 3.6-liter V6 capable of 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and 3 total V8 options. The first V8 has a displacement of 5.7-liters and powers up to 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 6.4-liter V8, standard on the SRT model, puts out 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Finally, a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 achieves 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.
Trimlines and Pricing
Jeep offers the 2021 Grand Cherokee in a large variety of trims. From the base starter model all the way up to the Trackhawk, there’s a Grand Cherokee for all seasons. Riding in style, off-road adventures, a full safety suite, or interior luxury features are all available, depending on your desired trim.
Laredo E
Though Jeep is running a special for customers to receive employee pricing, the MSRP on the base 2021 Grand Cherokee is $34,200. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, dual climate control, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, and heated side mirrors. Opting for the 4×4 version will cost an extra $2,000.
Laredo X
For the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, you won’t have to climb the trim ladder very far. This model also includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start. A powered tailgate and parking assistance round out the features list on this model. This model is priced at $37,745. Once again, the option AWD version is two grand more.
Limited
This trim level includes leather seating, a powered sunroof and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Powered front seats also add memory settings for quick adjustments. This model starts at just over $40,000. It also comes standard in two-wheel drive, meaning AWD again will cost extra.
80th Anniversary Edition
Starting at $42,580, this trim rides on 20-inch wheels and includes Berber mats, among many other special edition upgrades.
Trailhawk
As the name suggests, this is the model you’ll want to spend time with if you plan on off-roading. A Selec-Terrain off-road system complements the Quadra-Lift air suspension well to give you the most when it comes to going off-grid. An Alpine audio system and heated rear seats mean the fun doesn’t have to end anytime soon. The Trailhawk starts at $45,600, but the 4×4 comes standard this time.
Overland
For luxury off-road trips, choose the Overland model. Features include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, 20-inch wheels, and Nappa leather seating. HID headlights will guide you home with ease after all’s said and done. The Overland starts at $46,940, but rings in at a hair under $50,000 with AWD.
High Altitude
The biggest difference between the Overland model and the High Altitude lies in the number of standard safety features you want to purchase. We’ll talk more about those specific systems in a minute but the High Altitude model includes those advanced safety features where the Overland does not. It’s $49,885 in FWD and $54,885 in AWD.
Summit
Active noise cancellation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system are included on this trim. Chrome exterior trim catches the eye as well. We’re really getting into luxury vehicle money here, at $53,290 and $56,290 (depending on your powertrain configuration). On the other hand, the Summit will certainly make every drive feel luxurious.
SRT
Upgrade features on this trim level include active damping, Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand and Selec-Trac traction management. All-wheel drive is the only option on this $69,390 version of the Grand Cherokee.
Trackhawk
Meant for tearing up the rubber jungle, the Trackhawk comes equipped from the factory with Launch Control. Nappa leather performance seats put you at the front of all the action. This model rides on 20-inch blacked-out wheels complemented by black exterior trim accents and, oh yes, those quad exhaust tips. Set aside at least $87,895 for this sporty version of the Grand Cherokee, which comes with the 6.2L V8 engine.
Available Colors
Now that you’ve got your favorite trim picked out, here are the paint schemes you can choose from.
- Diamond Black Crystal
- Granite Crystal Metallic
- Sting-Gray
- Billet Silver Metallic
- Slate Blue
- Velvet Red
- Redline 2
- Green Metallic
- Ivory 3
- Bright White
- Sangria Metallic
- Walnut Brown Metallic
Safety
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not yet rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the 2021 model, they awarded 4 out of 5 stars overall to the rear-wheel drive model. Meanwhile the four-wheel drive model received the full 5 out of 5 stars overall.
If you’d like a demonstration of the safety features found on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, visit Jeep’s website. Standard safety features on the 2021 model include a rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Additional safety systems include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, hands-free park assist, and forward collision warning.
Fuel Efficiency
As we’ll discuss in a minute, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t win high marks when it comes to fuel efficiency. But does that outweigh the other areas where the Jeep shines? Let’s put it into numbers for you.
Base V6 models achieve 19 city and 26 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG) when bought in a rear-wheel drive setup. Add the other set of wheels and you’ll actually only lose a point in both regards. If you’re not satisfied with those numbers, the rest of this section isn’t going to make you any happier.
For instance, the 5.7-liter V8 achieves 14 city and 22 highway MPG, while the SRT model—equipped with the biggest V8 of the bunch—drops down to 13 city and 19 highway MPG. Supercharged V8 models just barely break into the teens with 11 city and 17 highway MPG.
Competitors
Jeep’s 2021 Grand Cherokee competes with a variety of models, many of which aren’t able to match the versatility of the brand. That said, there are instances where the Jeep concedes to the competitor. Like with any other model in the SUV segment, it’s all about how well the model resonates with the features list you have in mind.
We mentioned before that the 2021 Grand Cherokee won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency. That’s a common gripe among the experts. Most customers are willing to overlook that because well, 707 horsepower tends to be a trade-off for sipping gas. Some reviewers approved of the ride quality while others were perturbed. Edmunds saw the flaws in the 10-year-old design of the 2021 Grand Cherokee, which will eventually need to be addressed for the model to continue to do well.
Kelley Blue Book experts report the 2021 Grand Cherokee has “good resale values” and an “average reliability record.” Competitors listed include the Dodge Durango, Toyota’s 4Runner, Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, Land Rover Discovery, Audi’s Q5 and Q7, the Lincoln Nautilus, BMW X5, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Volkswagen Atlas, to name a few. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee straddles a few price points, taking on new contenders at each level.
The Last Word
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee sticks to the age-old formula for a continuously popular reception. Depending on which trim level you choose, you could be off-roading across the sand dunes, moseying on up to your ski chalet, or facing the Christmas tree at your local drag strip. Test drive the newest Grand Cherokee at a Jeep dealership near you to see how versatile this 4×4 can be. Will you join the Jeep family?
Source: Jeep
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