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You remember how everyone lost their minds when the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L first showed up? It was a weird time. For decades, Jeep fans had been begging for a three-row version of the most awarded SUV ever, and then, right in the middle of a global supply chain meltdown, it finally arrived. It wasn't just a longer version of the old "WK2" model we all knew. Nope. This was the debut of the "WL" platform. It was the first time we saw that slim LED lighting and that forward-leaning grille that looks a bit like the old Wagoneers from the 70s. Honestly, it changed the game for families who wanted to look like they still had a life outside of soccer practice.
But here’s the thing.
Buying a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L today, a few years after it hit the streets, is a totally different experience than buying one new. You're looking at the first year of a brand-new generation. In the car world, "first year" usually means "guinea pig." If you're scouring the used market, you need to know if the luxury interior and that massive 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 screen are worth the potential headaches of early-production gremlins.
The Third Row Reality Check
Let’s talk about the "L" part. That extra 11.4 inches of length isn't just for show. Jeep didn't just cram a bench in the trunk; they actually engineered a wheelbase that’s five inches longer than the standard two-row model. If you’ve ever sat in the back of a Toyota Highlander from that same era, you know the feeling of your knees hitting your chin. It sucks. In the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, even a six-foot adult can sit in the third row without needing a chiropractor afterward.
It’s spacious. Truly.
You get about 30 inches of legroom back there. Is it a cavern? No. But compared to the tight squeeze in a Ford Explorer or the somewhat cramped Kia Telluride (yeah, I said it), the Jeep feels airy. Especially if you find one with the power-folding seats. Press a button in the cargo area and the headrests flip down, the seats vanish into the floor, and suddenly you have 84.6 cubic feet of space. You can basically fit a whole apartment's worth of IKEA furniture in there.
Engines: The Pentastar vs. The Hemi
Most of these you’ll find on the lot have the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. It’s a workhorse. It’s been in everything from the Pacifica minivan to the Wrangler for a decade. It’s got 290 horsepower, which sounds like plenty until you realize this Jeep weighs over 5,000 pounds. It’s fine for merging, but it’s not going to win any drag races.
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Then there’s the 5.7-liter Hemi V8.
If you plan on towing a boat or a horse trailer, don’t even look at the V6. The Hemi gives you 357 horsepower and, more importantly, 390 lb-ft of torque. It bumps the towing capacity up to 7,200 pounds. That’s massive for a unibody SUV. But—and there is always a "but" with a Hemi—you’re going to get roughly 14 miles per gallon in the city. If gas prices spike, you’re going to feel every single cent of that at the pump.
Why the Interior Set a New Standard
Jeep went after Range Rover with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Seriously. If you sit in a Summit Reserve trim, you’re surrounded by Palermo leather and open-pore waxed walnut wood. It’s gorgeous. This was the year Jeep introduced the McIntosh audio system. If you're an audiophile, you know that name. 19 speakers. 950 watts. It has these cool blue "VU meters" on the touchscreen that mimic the classic home stereo look.
It’s almost too nice for a Jeep.
The Uconnect 5 system was a massive leap forward too. It’s five times faster than the old version. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which, in 2021, was still a bit of a luxury. You can even have a "FamCam" that lets you zoom in on a rear-facing child seat in the back rows. It’s creepy but incredibly useful for parents who don’t want to turn around every five seconds.
The Problems Nobody Likes to Talk About
Look, we have to be real here. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had some teething issues. Since it was the inaugural year for the WL platform, there were recalls. Some owners reported the screen going black or the wireless charger overheating their phones. There were also early reports of some suspension noise on models equipped with the Quadra-Lift air suspension.
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If you're buying one now, check the VIN.
Make sure all the software updates have been flashed by a dealer. The 2021 model year saw a few "stop sale" orders early on for things like the radio software and lighting modules. It’s the price you pay for being an early adopter. If the previous owner was meticulous about service, you’re probably fine. If the service history is blank? Run.
Off-Road Chops (Because It’s Still a Jeep)
You’d think a three-row family hauler would be a mall crawler. Most are. But Jeep offered the Overland trim with the Off-Road Group. You get skid plates, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and that air suspension that can lift the body to give you 10.9 inches of ground clearance.
It can wade through 24 inches of water.
Most people will never take a $60,000 SUV through a creek, but knowing you can is why people buy Jeeps. The Quadra-Trac II system is smart. It can send 100% of the torque to the axle with the most grip. It makes driving in a blizzard feel like a trip to the grocery store. It’s confidence-inspiring in a way a front-wheel-drive-based Honda Pilot just isn't.
The Trim Level Sweet Spot
If you’re hunting for a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L today, don’t get distracted by the base Laredo. It’s fine, but it lacks the soul of the higher trims. The Limited is where the value lives. You get leather, heated seats in the first two rows, and the power liftgate.
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However, if you want the "Grand" experience, look for an Overland.
The Overland gets you the Nappa leather and the cool ambient lighting that you can change to five different colors. It also opens up the option for the Hemi V8, which isn't available on the lower trims. The Summit and Summit Reserve are basically rolling luxury lounges, but their resale value stays high, so you’ll pay a premium.
Real World Maintenance and Reliability
Let's get into the weeds. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF. It’s one of the best transmissions in the world. It’s smooth, predictive, and generally very reliable. The Pentastar V6 is also relatively easy to work on, though the oil filter housing has been known to leak on older versions (Jeep supposedly fixed this, but keep an eye on it).
The air suspension is the wildcard.
Air bags eventually leak. It's not a matter of "if," but "when." In five or six years, you might be looking at a $2,000 repair bill to keep that smooth ride height. If you plan on keeping the car for a decade, maybe stick to the traditional coil springs found on the Laredo and Limited. They don't ride as plush, but they won't fail and leave your SUV sagging on the driveway.
Actionable Steps for Used Buyers
If you are currently looking at a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, here is exactly how you should handle the inspection and purchase process to avoid getting a lemon.
- Check the Build Date: Look at the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Models built later in the 2021 production run (summer/fall) generally have fewer of the initial software bugs than the very early spring units.
- Test the Infotainment: Spend 15 minutes just playing with the screen. Connect your phone, start a navigation route, and flip through the cameras. If it lags or crashes now, it’s going to drive you crazy later.
- Listen to the Suspension: Drive over some speed bumps at low speed. If you hear a "clunk" or a "thump" from the front end, it could be the upper control arms or an issue with the air struts.
- Verify Recalls: Go to the NHTSA website and plug in the VIN. Ensure the recalls for the rearview camera and the steering column (if applicable) have been performed.
- Opt for the CPO: If possible, buy a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) unit. This extends the powertrain warranty and usually includes a more thorough inspection than a random used car lot.
- Inspect the Third Row: Flip the seats up and down multiple times. Check for any grinding noises in the motors if they are power-folding.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L isn't just a bigger Jeep; it's a statement that American SUVs can actually compete with the Germans and Japanese in terms of refinement. It’s not perfect—no first-year car ever is—but if you find a well-maintained Overland or Limited, you’re getting a world-class interior and legendary capability for a lot less than the original sticker price. Check the records, trust your gut on the electronics, and enjoy having the most capable family rig on the block.