This Grand Cherokee is Perfect for Families
My very first car was a first-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee, so I always get excited about driving the updated versions of a car in which I made so many memories. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which has a starting price of about $42K and tops out at more than $71K, is a versatile and well-rounded version of this very popular SUV. The L version has 3 rows of seating, space for full size humans in the 3rd row and it delivers a great driving experience both on and off the road.
With its spacious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and towing capacity of 6,200 lbs., this is a great option for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
While it’s about 300x swankier than my 1993 JGC, I’d choose it again for all the same reasons.
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The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a Beast on the Road
When he got into the Jeep with me, my husband commented, “This one sounds fun to drive,” so I gave him just a little taste of the fun when we pulled out onto the highway, and we both smiled. One of the standout features of the Grand Cherokee L is its available V8 engine, which provides plenty of power – 360 horsepower – and acceleration – 390 torque.
Additionally, the Jeep’s suspension system and all-wheel drive capabilities give it a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough terrain, which we experienced when we took the Jeep off the highway for a little 4th of July celebration at the lake.
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A Really Impressive Interior
Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offers ample space for passengers and cargo, with comfortable seating and plenty of room for storage. I was actually super impressed with the amount of space in this 3-row SUV. It’s a lot smaller looking on the outside than a Tahoe or Sequoia, but the 3rd row is nicer all around, and the cargo space behind the third row is impressive for an SUV this size.
My first JGC definitely didn’t have a third row or captain’s chairs in the second row. Nor did it have a sophisticated multimedia system and top-of-the-line MacIntosh sound system like the one our Summit edition. Even though these details are top-notch, they are also user-friendly and have a range of features such as “Hey, Jeep” voice activated assistance, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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“A Grand Cherokee L for Everyone,” AKA What You Need to Know About Trim Levels
The Grand Cherokee L has several trim levels to suit various needs and offers two engine options, a standard V6 and an optional V8. All models have the option of two-wheel or four-wheel drive (Except the Summit Reserve, which is 4WD only) and a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
We drove the Summit edition with a starting price of $63,690. With some add-ons and the destination fee, the total came to $72k. But this is absolutely a luxury trim, and you get everything you could ever dream of, including heated and cooled seats in the second row, a dash-mounted multimedia screen on the passenger’s side, quilted leather seats throughout, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Oh yea, and massive 21″ wheels.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the other trims and their pricing:
- The Laredo is the base trim model, which comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Standard features include cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and adaptive cruise control. Pricing starts at $42,130.
- Next up is the Altitude. This trim adds black exterior accents, 20-inch black wheels, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel for those who live in cold climates. Pricing starts at $46,140.
- I’m guessing the Limited is the most popular choice. It’s a mid-range Jeep in terms of price and amenities. The Limited trim comes with all the Altitude features, plus leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Pricing starts at $50,825.
- The Overland trim adds a 360-degree parking camera system, a power-adjustable steering column, ventilated front seats, and a premium 19-speaker audio system. We had this audio system in the Summit, and oh my, is it a treat! Pricing starts at $60,790.
- Summit: This luxury-oriented trim includes all the features of the Overland, plus a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and quilted Nappa leather upholstery. Pricing starts at $65,055
- And finally, the top-of-the-line Summit Reserve trim adds 21-inch wheels, a suede headliner, premium leather upholstery, and a 10.1-inch rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones. Pricing starts at $71,535.
- Add 4 wheel drive to any but the Summit Reserve, which has 4WD standard, for $2,000.
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The Grand Cherokee L Did Not Disappoint
Sometimes, when a vehicle undergoes years of refreshes and or a complete reboot, someone like myself who has a lot of memories of the original can feel a little sad about how far from the original a car has come. This was not the case for me with the Grand Cherokee L. I was just as impressed with its style and capabilities as I was 20 years ago. I can proudly say that the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a great choice for anyone in the market for a capable and reliable SUV that can handle various driving conditions and tasks.
It rained the entire week we had the Jeep, and I was so glad for its sure footing. Yes, it’s an eye-catching vehicle that any suburban mom would love to drive, but it really shines for the outdoor enthusiast.
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