Sam Krahn 
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a very important vehicle for the Jeep brand. The Grand Cherokee has been the best selling Jeep in America for some time, but has stuck with a two row design since its introduction in 1993. This has left the brand without a mid-size three row SUV to take on hot sellers like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, but that all changes with the 2021 Grand Cherokee L. While this new model grows in every direction compared to the outgoing WK2 model, but its new EPA fuel efficiency figures show there isn’t a tradeoff in fuel economy.
At the moment, we only have mpg results for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L with the base 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, not the optional 5.7 liter Hemi V8. If you opt for the rear wheel drive model, the V6 Grand Cherokee L will achieve 19 city, 26 highway and 21 combined mpg. Upgrade to 4×4, and you’ll have a minor tradeoff with 18 city, 25 highway and 21 combined mpg. And rather surprisingly, that matches the outgoing model exactly.
This is great news for Jeep, given the size increase of the new model. It has a 6.9 inch longer wheelbase, and measures 15.1 inches longer and 1.4 inches wider than the previous generation. Given the size inflation, and the fact that new generations of cars tend to be heavier thanks to more onboard tech, it’s no surprise the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L weighs more than before.
Yet, despite the size increase, it only weighs around 50 to 100 lbs more, depending on trim. This will likely see the eventual two row model shed some weight from the WK2 model, and could improve in efficiency with the Pentastar V6. Thank the Alfa Romeo Giorgio platform the WL Grand Cherokee is based on, which uses lightweight aluminum for most of its construction.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will likely hit dealers in May, as production has already started. It will sit alongside the outgoing generation for one year, until the all-new two row model comes for the 2022 model year. With that extra row, new styling and tech, and more premium feel, it’s no surprise Grand Cherokee L pricing is a little more expensive than the WK2 two row model, at $36,995 for a rear drive model with the V6.
