2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee review
Jeep Grand Cherokee highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Off-road ability remains incredible without affecting on-road driving
- V8 engine offers good all-round performance and towing ability
Cons
- Cabin looks and feels dated
- Base V6 engine feels a bit overwhelmed at times
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 19 highway, 15 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2021 Grand Cherokee stays competitive against newer rivals
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been around for a decade but remains competitive, and relevant, even among newer rivals. The lineup's breadth has always impressed, and for this model's final year, Jeep has added an 80th Anniversary Edition package to the Limited trim. The lineup consists of the Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit, with a pair of high-performance models offered in SRT and Trackhawk form. Most 2021 Grand Cherokee models are powered by the base 295-hp 3.6-liter V6 or optional 360-hp 5.7-liter V8. Those engines drive the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, though four-wheel drive is an option. It's impossible to ignore the madness that Jeep offers with its SRT models. The standard SRT uses a 6.2-liter V8 with a healthy-sounding 470 hp, but even its output pales in comparison to the 707-hp V8 nestled under the Trackhawk model's hood. They're typically priced very attractively against similarly powerful high-performance SUVs.
Most 2021 Grand Cherokees are more mainstream in their appeal, and the familiar trim levels all offer a good level of standard equipment. The Limited trim is the sweet spot in the value-to-equipment formula, but if you want an off-the-shelf off-road-equipped model, Jeep obliges with the impressive Trailhawk trim. It can get you almost anywhere, with only a few compromises in road comfort. This talented all-rounder is obviously showing its age, but the 2021 Grand Cherokee is easy to recommend even in the final year of this model's life.
All Jeep Grand Cherokee years
What is new for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- The Grand Cherokee is available in a variety of new trims, including the 80th Anniversary, Freedom, and Laredo X.
- The Altitude, Laredo, North Edition, Trackhawk, and Upland trims have been discontinued for 2021.
- Grand Cherokee trims have been upgraded with Run Flat Tires as standard equipment this year.
- The SRT trim now comes with Tow Hitch and Running Boards as standard equipment.
- The Summit trim now comes with Adjustable Suspension, Automated Parking, and Running Boards as standard equipment.
- The High Altitude trim now comes with Running Boards as standard equipment.
- The Overland trim now comes with Running Boards as standard equipment.
- The Laredo E trim now comes with Power Seat(s), Power Hatch/Deck Lid, Android Auto, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee trims
Laredo:
Includes dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, infotainment system with seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and 18-inch wheels.
Limited:
Unlocks an 8.4-inch touchscreen, sunroof, power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
Trailhawk:
Adds all-terrain tires, heated rear seats, different driving modes depending on the terrain, enhanced air suspension tuned for off-road, and more.
Overland:
Includes power-adjustable steering column, 20-inch wheels, leather-trimmed seats, Mopar® slush mats, cargo-area liner, and bright pedal kit.
Summit:
Includes adaptive cruise control, parallel parking assist, forward collision mitigation, leather-trimmed bucket seats, and more.
SRT:
Unlocks leather/perforated suede SRT® seats, 20-inch aluminum tires, high-performance suspension, and sport front seats.
Trackhawk:
Includes Nappa leather performance seats, a 6.2L supercharged HEMI® V8 SRT engine, competition suspension, 20-inch black satin aluminum wheels, and more.
Jeep Grand Cherokee photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1. Wide range of engine options
It's great to have multiple engine options when buying a vehicle, and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides that flexibility. A 295-horsepower, 3.6L V6 engine comes standard on most trims; a 475-horsepower, 6.4L V8 engine is standard on the SRT trim, and the high-performance turbocharged 707-horsepower, 6.2L V8 is standard on the trim-topping Trackhawk. If you prefer, you can shop for a model with the available 360-horsepower, 5.7L V8 on the Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit trims.
2. Off-road capability
With the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'll get a vehicle that's ready for off-road adventures. Four-wheel drive—designed to improve traction on rough terrain—is available on all trims, and standard on the Trackhawk. All trims are configured for ideal maneuverability to conquer a range of obstacles and weather conditions. The Trailhawk trim is specially designed for off-road driving, with the Quadra-Drive® II suspension system that allows you to switch between sand, mud, snow, rock, and auto modes. The system is designed to adjust to the terrain, and it can increase ground clearance up to 10.8 inches.
3. Lots of tech features
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a practical and convenient vehicle that can provide a comfortable and entertaining ride for all your passengers. This well-equipped SUV comes standard with an infotainment system that's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can be accessed through a seven-inch touchscreen. Navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, and integrated voice command are also standard. Plus, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with useful driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear park assist.
4. Ample room for passengers and storage
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers an abundance of room for passengers as well as cargo. There's 36.3 cubic feet of room for cargo behind the rear seats; when you fold them down, the cargo volume extends to 63 cubic feet. That means you can easily fit a couple of large suitcases or sporting equipment, as well as lots of groceries. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee can seat five passengers comfortably, with a total passenger volume of 105 cubic feet, 40.3 cubic feet of front legroom, and 38.6 cubic feet of legroom in the back.
5. Impressive interior features
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts an upscale interior, with quality materials and lots of convenience features. The cabin is lined with soft-touch materials and leather details on the dashboard, armrests, and upper door panels. A six-speaker audio system and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system are also part of the 2021 Grand Cherokee's standard equipment. Features such as Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and USB ports enhance the riding experience.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
One of the Jeep Wrangler's key selling points is its exceptional off-roading ability, making it ideal for road trips and camping on uneven terrain. Acceleration is brisk and there's plenty of room inside—essential for a rugged adventure vehicle. 2017-present Wranglers offer 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 35.7 inches in the back, making this SUV great for anyone along for the ride. The standard 3.6L V6 engine—with the option of turbocharging—ensures there's plenty of power under the hood.
Other standard features of the 2017-present Jeep Wrangler include:
Rollover protection system
Traction control
Easy-to-use infotainment system
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that was introduced in 2014. It has seating for five, and 24.6 cu-ft of cargo space on the 2018 model. It comes standard with a 184-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine, with an optional 271-hp 3.2L V6. The Cherokee comes standard with rear-wheel drive but has Jeep's flagship off-road capabilities when it's equipped with optional four-wheel drive.
Here's what you'll find on the Jeep Cherokee in model years 2014–2018:
Five-inch touchscreen
Standard remote-keyless entry
Available off-road features include locking rear differential, off-road suspension, and skid plates.
Jeep Liberty
The Jeep Liberty was in production from 2002-2012. This small SUV is a well-rounded compact vehicle for your daily needs and can also provide satisfactory off-road performance. The most recent model year, 2012, is equipped with a 226-horsepower V6 engine. Standard features on the 2012 Jeep Liberty include:
Keyless entry
Cruise control
Adjustable steering wheel
Bucket seats
Brake assist
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Jeep Grand Cherokee an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Jeep Grand Cherokee 32nd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Jeep Grand CherokeeJeep Grand Cherokee features and specs
80th Anniversary 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Full Roof Rack
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.6L
Horsepower
293
Torque (ft-lbs)
260
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
24.6
Wheelbase
114.8"
Overall length
189.8"
Width
76.5"
Height
69.3"
Leg room
F 40.3"/R 38.6"
Head room
F 39.9"/R 39.2"
Front tires
P265/50TR20
Rear tires
P265/50TR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee FAQ
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 80th Anniversary: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- High Altitude: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Summit: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Laredo E: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- SRT: 13 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- Limited: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Overland: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Trailhawk: 18 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Laredo X: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Freedom: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Limited X: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
The Jeep Grand Cherokee received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Jeep Grand Cherokee as 31 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of between 3500 and 7200 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
- 80th Anniversary
- Freedom
- Laredo X
- Run Flat Tires
- Running Boards
More about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Color options
Exterior colors:
Billet Silver Metallic Clearcoat
Bright White Clearcoat
Diamond Black Crystal Pearlcoat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clearcoat
Green Metallic Clearcoat (Trailhawk, SRT, and Trackhawk)
Sangria Metallic Clearcoat (All trims except Laredo)
Slate Blue Pearlcoat (All trims except Laredo)
Sting-Gray Clearcoat
Velvet Red Pearlcoat
Walnut Brown Metallic Clearcoat
Interior details
36.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats; 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down
Maximum seating capacity of five
Infotainment system with touchscreen
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
Power reclining driver seat, eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, front bucket seats, and chrome interior accents
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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