Exploring the Evolution of the Fifth-Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee

When you’re in the market for a pre-owned family-friendly SUV that balances a well-appointed cabin with the sort of off-road performance that’ll have you looking forward to leaving paved roads behind, just think of The Faricy Boys as your one-stop shop for used Jeeps for sale near Falcon. Jeep’s award-winning lineup of off-road MVPs is one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets, especially when it comes to the Grand Cherokee. If the Grand Cherokee’s reputation doesn’t precede it, simply take a look at the SUV’s jam-packed trophy case. From being named Newsweek’s best two-row SUV of 2022 and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ in 2023, the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee has racked up a lot of recognition since being rolled out in 2021.

While Jeep is rolling out new and improved Grand Cherokee models every passing year, the SUV’s heavy-duty construction, value, and low ownership cost make it a particularly tempting choice for those browsing the preowned market. So why should drivers choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee as their next used vehicle? We’ll review some of the highlights of the fifth-generation model, track how it’s evolved over the past few years, and touch on the SUV’s new, larger counterpart in the Grand Cherokee L.

2021: The Grand Cherokee L Debuts

The fifth-generation Grand Cherokee didn’t hit the market until 2022, but 2021 did mark the introduction of a new, upsized version of the popular SUV in the Grand Cherokee L. The “L” reflects the new Grand Cherokee’s longer size, but “large” and “luxurious” would also be apt choices. While the Grand Cherokee L might only be 11 inches longer than the traditional model, even that moderate growth spurt makes all the difference when it comes to comfort and capacity.

Unlike the two-row Grand Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee L can accommodate three rows of seating, increasing the SUV’s seating capacity from five to six or even seven passengers, depending on the configuration. A second-row bench seat turns the Grand Cherokee L into the highest-capacity version on record, but those seeking a little extra comfort can sacrifice one seat in exchange for a set of captain’s chairs.

There’s also a notable boost in terms of cargo space, with the Grand Cherokee L providing 20 percent more room than the Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee L makes room for up to 84.6 cu.ft. of cargo space, while its smaller sibling tops out at 70.8 cu.ft. That should be more than enough room to accommodate your skis, snowboards, or whatever other gear you might need to conquer the Rockies.

Aside from the varying dimensions, the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L are pretty evenly matched. Both feature a generous complement of advanced infotainment, safety, and convenience technology, including a large 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display and a McIntosh sound system. At the start of the fifth generation, both models were also offered with an optional 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that should provide more than enough power for even a three-row model.

2022: A New Two-Row Grand Cherokee

The fifth-generation Grand Cherokee encompasses everything there is to love about the best-selling model. Jeep made some important upgrades without losing sight of the attributes that have brought the Grand Cherokee so much success in the past, leveraging a new unibody platform that allows the SUV to accommodate every type of powertrain under the sun, from internal combustion to a new 4xe plug-in hybrid model.

Those who appreciate the Grand Cherokee’s legendary off-road ability will be glad to learn that the model is still available with three distinct four-wheel drive systems, including Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. From a rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) and low-range gearbox to the Selec Terrain traction management system and Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension, these 4×4 offerings allow the Grand Cherokee to excel in even the toughest off-road conditions. Whether you’re looking to explore the area around Falcon or simply get to work in the winter during a snowstorm, the Grand Cherokee is a ready-made adventure partner.

Speaking of the road less traveled, Jeep also rolled out a new off-road-focused Trailhawk trim for 2022. The rugged model comes standard with the Quadra-Lift air suspension, as well as a disconnecting sway bar and a lineup-leading 11.3 inches of ground clearance. Aside from these new trims, the 2022 Grand Cherokee’s most alluring feature might be the refreshed cabin. Jeep updated the interior for the modern era, adding luxurious design touches like open-pore wood trim and quilted leather upholstery. The SUV is also a standout from a tech perspective thanks to the new Uconnect 5 infotainment suite complete with an available 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, a 4G LTE wireless hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, an integrated virtual assistant, and much more.

Having kicked off the fifth generation as an all-new model in 2021, the Grand Cherokee L received a fairly modest set of upgrades for 2022. That’s not to say that this used SUV doesn’t have a few neat tricks in store. The Grand Cherokee L’s Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims added an optional 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment display and a dual-screen rear entertainment system that can run Amazon Fire TV to keep backseat passengers occupied on the ride. A Black Package gives the three-row model a moody makeover with gloss black accents and black 20-inch wheels, while a High Altitude package throws some 21-inch wheels into the mix.

2023: Goodbye HEMI (In Some Models)

The Grand Cherokee saw one important change under the hood for 2023, with Jeep nixing the SUV’s 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. That leaves the Grand Cherokee with a 293-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6, but there is some good news for those who put a premium on power. The 4xe plug-in hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee is even quicker than the outgoing V8 model. A 2.0L four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors give the plug-in 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The instant acceleration afforded by the futuristic setup means that a used Grand Cherokee 4xe can speed from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe also became the new home of the Trailhawk off-road trim for 2023––a perfect pairing that allows Falcon drivers to conquer even the most challenging off-road terrain. On the tech front, the 2023 Grand Cherokee made the 10.1-inch infotainment display standard on the Limited and Overland trims and made the premium stereo systems, including a nine-speaker Alpine setup and a 19-speaker McIntosh array, more available.

Like the Grand Cherokee, the 2023 Grand Cherokee L was treated to wider availability of its audiophile-quality stereo systems from Alpine and McIntosh, but the tech-related upgrades didn’t stop there. The three-row SUV was also graced with an in-dash navigation system as a standard feature across more trims, but it’s the Grand Cherokee L’s full slate of advanced driver-assistance technology (ADAS) that really caught our attention this time around. The Grand Cherokee L offers a host of convenience and safety-enhancing tech, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Management, and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning. Best of all, they’re all offered as standard features.

2024: A Winning Formula

That brings us to the newest Grand Cherokee on offer in the 2024 model. Not much has changed since 2023, but that gives us a good opportunity to dive into some of the SUV’s more luxurious features. Jeep might have made a name for itself with the sort of burly off-road performance that’s won the brand so much acclaim throughout the years, but the brand has also put an increased emphasis on luxury over the last few decades. Today, models like the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L can rival almost any competitor in the segment with a long list of comfort and convenience features.

Take the SUV’s power-operated liftgate or heated second-row seats, for example. Automatic high-beam headlights make for a more relaxing driving experience after the sun goes down, while leather upholstery and a driver’s seat with built-in memory settings ensure a plush, cozy ride that’ll help to warm you up after a long day of adventure around Falcon. If the Limited trim’s standard ambient interior lighting and remote start aren’t lavish enough for your liking, simply upgrade to the Luxury Tech Group II package. This available add-on includes a full arsenal of tech and safety features, from a wireless phone charger and rain-sensitive windshield wipers to ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, second-row sunshades, and a digital rearview mirror. Front and rear parking sensors and a collision avoidance feature will help drivers avoid costly repair bills.

As is the case with the Grand Cherokee, 2024 sees the Grand Cherokee L remain largely unchanged for the new model year. Like the Grand Cherokee, the three-row version gains a new set of 18-inch wheels for the Limited trim but otherwise sticks to the same formula that’s made the SUV such a popular choice since it was unveiled in 2021. Opting for a used Grand Cherokee L over the smaller Grand Cherokee also confers some real benefits in terms of towing power. While the Grand Cherokee’s maximum towing capacity tops out at 6,200 lbs with its V6 engine, the V8-equipped Grand Cherokee L can pull up to 7,200 lbs with ease. That extra 1,000 lbs of towing capacity could make all the difference when it comes to bringing your boat or RV along for the ride and makes a compelling case for upgrading to the larger model.

The Intersection of Luxury and Utility

The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L are both well-rounded models that encapsulate everything there is to love about the midsize SUV segment. While some SUVs trade solely on their brawny off-road features, the Grand Cherokee rounds out its potent powertrain, 7,200 lb maximum towing capacity, and 4×4 systems with a full suite of comfort, convenience, and safety features that move the Jeep into luxury territory. From its sleek, modern design and opulent cabin packed with premium materials to cutting-edge tech features like a digital rearview mirror, 360-degree camera system, and ADAS features that should go a long way towards enhancing driver confidence, the Grand Cherokee is firmly planted at the intersection of luxury and utility. If you’re interested in learning more about a used Jeep Grand Cherokee or exploring the larger Grand Cherokee L, make your way from Falcon to The Faricy Boys and see what one of America’s foremost SUV brands has to offer.