Overview

With legitimate off-road credentials and a three-row interior, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is an adventure mobile with room for the whole family, which earned it an Editors’ Choice award. While it will likely see more on-road duty than it will trail time, Jeep offers several capability enhancing features including an adjustable air suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and three different versions of the brand’s Quadra-Drive all-wheel-drive system. Even the most spartan models offer a comfortable and well-tailored cabin, but high-end versions bring a full luxury experience—as well as a luxury price tag. Tech plays a big role in the Grand Cherokee L, with a plethora of displays screens dotting the interior and a host of driver-assistance features offered as standard. If you don’t need a third row of seats, the regular Grand Cherokee offers the same experience in a slightly smaller two-row package; we review that model separately.

What’s New for 2022?

The 2022 model year brings only minor enhancements to the Grand Cherokee L, but buyers will now be able to order a dual-screen, rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon FireTV on Limited trims and higher. A slick 10.3-inch screen embedded into the dashboard ahead of the front passenger is now also available on those same trims. Limited models can now be equipped with a Black appearance package that swaps exterior chrome accents for gloss black ones and incudes black 20-inch wheels. A similar High Altitude package with 21-inch wheels is available on the Summit model. Three new colors are available, too: Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Like the two-row Grand Cherokee, the three-row Grand Cherokee L is available with either a 290-hp V-6 or a 357-hp V-8 with either rear- or all-wheel drive; both engines come with an eight-speed automatic. Those seeking to maximize towing capacity should spec the V-8, which can tow 7200 pounds; V-6 models carry a 6200-pound tow rating. After test driving both, we prefer the V-8 anyway, which produces a sonorous rumble and provides more linear power delivery. At our test track, our V-8–powered Summit Reserve test vehicle snapped off a peppy 6.2-second run to 60 mph. The V-6, in comparison, is pokier and not as refined; it needed 8.0 seconds to reach 60 mph in our hands. The Grand Cherokee L’s ride is smooth and handling is competent; in our experience, the steering felt nicely weighted and the brake pedal was reassuringly firm. To continue Jeep’s legacy of off-road capability, the Grand Cherokee L can be equipped with one of three all-wheel-drive systems as well as an optional air suspension, which can be adjusted to provide extra ground clearance.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel-economy estimates for the rear-wheel-drive V-6 model are 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway; adding all-wheel drive drops both of those numbers by 1 mpg. These numbers are in line with V-6–powered rivals such as the Kia Telluride and the Chevrolet Traverse. The V-8–powered model is rated for 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. For more information about the Grand Cherokee L’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While base Laredo models offer the essentials, upscale Summit and Overland trims add luxuries such as quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and high-tech digital displays. All Grand Cherokee L models come with a third row of seats, which means space for up to seven via an optional second-row bench seat; a pair of captain’s chairs is standard and results in space for six riders. If you aren’t in need of the Grand Cherokee L’s third row, you should consider the two-row Grand Cherokee, which we review separately. On upper trims, the Grand Cherokee L’s cabin is downright deluxe, and Jeep offers luxury features such as massaging front seats, quilted leather upholstery, and open-pore wood trim as options.