JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE L SUMMIT 4X4

A Luxurious Mid-Size Family Adventure Transport

By Arv Voss

OVERVIEW:

The iconic Jeep brand has an extensive lineup of models and trims for virtually every budget and in a variety of designs and sizes. Jeep also fills the bill for numerous levels of performance needed for both on and off road sojourns. The Grand Cherokee L ranks as one of the top mid-size SUV choices.

Here we will review theJeep Grand Cherokee L Summit 4×4. It is a MId-size 6-passenger, 4-door wagon or SUV depending on your preference of designation. It serves up super luxurious accommodations in a comfortable and spacious three-row seat environment. And, it is off-road capable, though most owners will likely steer clear of challenging off-road scenarios. There is also a slightly smaller two-row Grand Cherokee version for those who don’t want or need three rows of seats.

There is a total of six trim levels for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Upper level trim choices are generally higher priced than similar competitive models, but the entry level models are more affordable and well equipped. The Limited model offers the best balance of features and pricing. The Summit and Summit Reserve are the top trim levels. There’s also a PHEV model, the 4xe.

AS TESTED:

My test 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a 4×4 model in Summit trim. The exterior was sprayed in Rocky Mountain Pearl-Coat, while the interior was executed in Global Black Nappa leather seating. It rolled on Pirelli Scorpion Verde 265/50 R20 tires mounted on 5-“W”-spoke silver alloy wheels.

MOTIVE FORCE:

The Cherokee L offers a choice of two engines: a 290 horsepower V6 or a 357 horsepower, both with either rear or all-wheel drive. Both engines change gears through an 8-speed transmission. The V8 version is capable of towing 7200 pounds while the V6 tow rating is 1,000 pounds less. Our test Summit 4×4 model was powered by the V6 and garnered estimated EPA ratings of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The Grand Cherokee L may be outfitted with one of three all-wheel drive systems along with an optional air suspension that can be adjusted for added ground clearance.

CABIN AMBIENCE AND SPACE:

The base Laredo and Altitude models provide the essentials for comfort and convenience, the more upscale Summit and Overland trim levels serve up added luxuries such as open pore wood trim accents, quilted leather upholstery along with state of the art high-tech digital displays.The Grand Cherokee L models come with three seating rows featuring space for up to seven via an optional second row bench seat – the standard configuration offers two second row captain’s chairs. Passenger volume is 142 feet.

CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT:

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Sirius XM satellite radio come ads standard fare and in-dash navigation with real time traffic and weather updates is optionally available as is wireless connectivity. A 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen displays vital information.

DRIVER-ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY FEATURES:

This latest iteration lineup of Grand Cherokees now delivers a host of standard technology such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assist. There’s also an impressive existing inventory of safety and driver assistance features.

PERFORMANCE:

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit 4×4 performs admirably on or off-road, delivering a comfortable ride quality over varying surfaces and conditions. The handling characteristics are positive and predictable as is the braking feel. It’s not on par with sports cars, but it’s not a clunky truck either. While not as powerful as the V8 model, it delivers a smooth and enjoyable ride.

OUR FINAL TAKE:

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit 4×4 carries a somewhat hefty price tag, but it definitely seems worth it – after all, you get what you pay for. As an added attraction, there’s three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, a limited warranty that covers three years or 36,00 miles and a powertrain warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles. Bottom line, it’s a highly desirable mid-size SUV.

SPECIFICATIONS:  Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit 4×4

Vehicle Type:  Mid size 6-passenger, 4-door SUV

Base Price:                            $65,710.

As Tested Price:                   $73,515.

Motor Size and Type:          3.6 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with port fuel injection

Horsepower (bhp):              293 @ 6400 rpm

Torque(lb.-ft.)                        260 @ 4000 rpm

Transmission:             8-speed automatic

Drive train:                              Longitudinally mounted front engine, Quadratrac 4-wheel drive system with electronic limited slip rear axle, ESC, Hill start assist and Select Terrain System.

Suspension:                          Front – Multilink with Semi-Active damping.

                                                Rear – Multilink with Semi-Active damping.

Brakes:                                   Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs with ABS.

Tires:                                       Pirelli Scorpion 265/50 R20 mounted on 5-“W”-spoke silver alloy wheels.

Wheelbase:                          121.7 inches

Overall Length:                      204.9 inches

Width:                                       77.9 inches

Height:                                      71.5 inches

Curb Weight:                                    5,112 lbs.

Fuel Capacity:                            23 gallons

Fuel Economy:                           18 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy – 21 mpg combined

0-60 mph:                                     8 seconds

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