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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
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The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a complete redesign, and I actually think Jeep did a really impressive job balancing luxury, family functionality, and thoughtful car seat features. It feels elevated inside, the car seat setup is genuinely practical, and there’s enough flexibility here for bigger families without making the SUV feel massive to drive.
- Car seat friendly tilt makes third-row access easier: the second-row captain’s chair can tilt forward even with a forward-facing car seat installed, which is one of my favorite features in this SUV.
- Lower anchors in both second-row captain’s chairs: easy to access and simple to install car seats into.
- Tether anchors in all four rear seats: Jeep included tether anchors in both second-row seats and both third-row seats, which gives families a lot more flexibility for forward-facing car seats.
- Third row is actually usable for older kids: I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of knee room back there, especially with the second row adjusted forward a bit.
- Captain’s chairs make the cabin feel more open: I liked the pathway to the third row better than squeezing through a folded bench seat.
- Bench seat option adds flexibility: you can also configure this with a second-row bench seat if you need seating for seven instead of six.
- The rear-facing clearance impressed me: I had the driver’s seat set for myself at 6 feet tall, and the rear-facing Clek still fit behind me with decent space left over.
- The third row only has two seats: I actually appreciate that Jeep didn’t try to cram a third seating position back there. It makes the third row feel much more comfortable and usable.
The Exterior
The Redesigned Grand Cherokee L Looks Much More Upscale
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L was a complete redesign, and I honestly think Jeep made this SUV look far more premium than the outgoing generation. The exterior feels cleaner, longer, and more refined while still keeping that classic Jeep styling families tend to love.
This SUV definitely has more road presence than the previous Grand Cherokee. The longer body gives it a more substantial look without making it feel intimidating to drive.
- The redesign feels noticeably more upscale: this does not look like the older Grand Cherokee at all in person.
- The longer wheelbase changes the proportions: the added length helps the SUV feel sleeker and gives the third row much better functionality.
- The front end looks cleaner and more modern: Jeep simplified a lot of the design details compared to the previous generation.
- The lower ride height helps with accessibility: getting kids in and out of car seats feels manageable without needing a huge step up.
- The black trim and wheel options work really well: especially on the higher trims where the exterior starts feeling almost luxury-level.
The Grand Cherokee L Does Not Feel As Massive As Other Three-Row SUVs
Even though this is a true three-row SUV, it still feels easier to maneuver than some of the larger full-size options families cross-shop.
I also like that Jeep did not make the doors overly heavy. Opening the second-row doors while holding a baby carrier or helping kids climb in felt pretty easy overall.
- Wide rear door openings help with car seats: there is enough space to comfortably load rear-facing seats.
- The exterior still feels very “Jeep”: boxy enough to feel rugged, but much more polished than before.
- Roof rails are functional for families: especially for road trips or extra cargo storage.
First Row
The first row of the redesigned Grand Cherokee L feels much more premium than the previous generation. Jeep really upgraded the materials, technology, and overall layout, and I think this interior punches above its price point in a lot of ways.
The Screens And Technology Feel Truly Modern
The infotainment setup is one of the first things I noticed in this SUV. Everything feels clean, easy to use, and thoughtfully placed instead of overly complicated.
- Large infotainment screen feels well integrated: the screen placement looks sleek without feeling distracting while driving.
- Digital gauge cluster modernizes the cabin: it immediately feels more upscale compared to the outgoing generation.
- Physical controls are still easy to access: I appreciate that Jeep did not bury every climate control inside the screen.
- The camera quality is impressive: especially helpful in a larger three-row SUV when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.
Storage In The Front Row Is Extremely Functional
I think Jeep did a really good job making the first row feel practical for families. There are a lot of usable storage areas without the cabin feeling cluttered.
- Large center console holds a ton: enough room for everyday family clutter without overflowing everywhere.
- Cupholders are easy to reach: simple, but important.
- Phone storage placement feels intentional: there is enough room to keep devices accessible without taking over the entire console area.
- Passenger storage is generous: the dashboard and door storage areas feel very functional for road trips and family use.
The Seating Position Feels Comfortable Without Feeling Huge
One thing I really liked while driving the Grand Cherokee L is that visibility feels manageable despite this being a three-row SUV. The hood is not overly intimidating, and the cabin feels open without making the vehicle feel difficult to place on the road.
The seats themselves also feel noticeably more comfortable and supportive than the previous generation. Jeep clearly wanted this redesign to feel more refined overall.
Second Row
The second row is honestly one of the biggest reasons I think the Grand Cherokee L works so well for families. Jeep clearly thought through car seat functionality here, especially with the captain’s chairs and the ability to access the third row without uninstalling a car seat.
Lower Anchors In Both Captain’s Chairs And Tether Anchors In All Four Rear Seats
The second-row captain’s chairs each include a set of lower anchors, and Jeep also included tether anchors in all four rear seating positions across the second and third rows.
That flexibility matters if you have multiple forward-facing kids or are constantly moving seats around.
- Lower anchors in both captain’s chairs: easy to locate and simple to install into.
- Tether anchors in all four rear seats: both second-row seats and both third-row seats have tether anchors.
- Bench seat option changes the setup: if you choose the bench seat instead of captain’s chairs, Jeep includes three LATCH positions across the second row.
The Car Seat Friendly Tilt Is One Of The Best Features In This SUV
This is one of my favorite family features in the entire vehicle. Jeep designed the second-row seats so they can tilt forward even with a forward-facing car seat installed.
I absolutely love this because it makes third-row access dramatically easier for families actually using car seats every day.
- Forward-facing car seats can stay installed: you do not have to uninstall the seat just to access the third row.
- The tilt pathway feels manageable for kids: much easier than climbing awkwardly over a fixed car seat.
- Captain’s chairs help the cabin feel more functional: especially for bigger families constantly moving between rows.
Rear-Facing Space Works Well Even For Taller Drivers
I tested a rear-facing Clek behind the driver’s seat with the seat adjusted for myself at 6 feet tall, and I was honestly impressed with the clearance. There was still enough room to sit comfortably up front without feeling cramped.
The second row itself also feels comfortable for adults and older kids.
- Good knee room in the second row: even with taller front-seat settings.
- Second-row seats slide on tracks: you can shift space between the second and third rows depending on your family’s needs.
- Sunshades, climate controls, and USB ports are all included: which makes this feel much more family-ready on longer drives.
Third Row
The Third Row Is Actually Comfortable Enough To Use
One thing that surprised me about the Grand Cherokee L is that the third row does not feel like an afterthought. Jeep clearly used the added length from this redesign to make the back row genuinely functional for families, especially compared to a lot of midsize three-row SUVs.
I also appreciate that Jeep kept this as a true two-seat third row instead of trying to squeeze in a cramped middle seat that nobody actually wants to use.
Accessing The Third Row Is Much Easier Than Most SUVs
The captain’s chairs make a huge difference back here. I really liked that the second-row seats can tilt forward even with a forward-facing car seat installed because that is usually one of the biggest frustrations in three-row SUVs.
Kids can actually get back there without you needing to uninstall a car seat every time someone climbs in.
- Second-row seats tilt with a car seat installed: one of the best family-friendly features in this SUV.
- The pathway to the third row feels open: especially with the captain’s chair configuration.
Jeep Prioritized Passenger Comfort In The Back Row
The third row has dedicated vents, USB ports, cupholders, and enough headroom that older kids and even adults can sit back there comfortably for shorter drives.
The large side windows also help the third row feel less closed in, which I think makes a big difference for kids riding back there regularly.
Trunk
The Grand Cherokee L Has Really Practical Trunk Space
I was pleasantly surprised by the trunk space in the Grand Cherokee L. It actually felt bigger than I expected for this size SUV, and I thought it felt larger than the GMC Acadia I was driving around the same time.
With the third row up, this works well for groceries and everyday gear, but my Mockingbird stroller did not fit back there.
Folding The Third Row Makes A Huge Difference
Once I folded the third row down, the cargo area felt much more functional for family life. There is plenty of room for larger strollers, sports gear, luggage, or a Costco haul.
- 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row: plenty of usable family cargo space
- 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded: the trunk feels huge once everything is down
- Power-folding third row: easy to fold directly from the trunk area
- Extra storage throughout the cargo area: helpful for smaller items
Safety
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Received Good Ratings In Key IIHS Crashworthiness Tests
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L received Good ratings in the IIHS driver-side small overlap front test and moderate overlap front original test.
Front And Second Row Outboard Seat Belt Pretensioners Are Included
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L includes pretensioning devices in the front and second-row outboard seat belt systems. These devices are designed to remove slack from the seat belt early in a collision and are intended to work for occupants of all sizes, including those in child restraints.
Driver Assistance And Safety Features Continue Across The Lineup
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning and prevention
- Rear automatic braking
- Seat belt reminders
- Premium headlight configurations depending on trim
- Additional active safety and driver assistance technology depending on trim and package
The Grand Cherokee L Is One Of The Better Three-Row SUVs For Car Seats
I think Jeep did a really thoughtful job with the car seat setup in the Grand Cherokee L. Between the captain’s chairs, the sliding second row, and the ability to access the third row with a car seat installed, this feels like a vehicle designed by people who actually understand family life.
Lower Anchors Are In Both Second-Row Seats And Tether Anchors Are In All Four Rear Seats
The second-row captain’s chairs each have a set of lower anchors, and there are tether anchors in both second-row seats and both third-row seats.
That setup gives families a lot of flexibility, especially if you have multiple forward-facing kids.
- Lower anchors in both captain’s chairs: easy to locate and easy to access
- Tether anchors in all four rear seats: both second-row and third-row seating positions include tether anchors
- Bench seat option changes the setup: choosing the second-row bench gives you three LATCH positions across the second row instead of captain’s chairs
The Second Row Tilts Forward With A Car Seat Installed
This is probably my favorite family feature in the Grand Cherokee L. The second-row seats can tilt forward even with a forward-facing car seat installed, which makes getting into the third row dramatically easier.
I do not think people realize how rare and helpful this feature is until they are climbing around car seats every day.
- Forward-facing seats can stay installed: you do not need to uninstall a car seat for third-row access
- Kids can access the third row more independently: especially with the captain’s chair layout
- The walkway feels wide enough to actually use: which is not always true in midsize three-row SUVs
Rear-Facing Space Worked Well For Me At 6 Feet Tall
I tested a rear-facing Clek behind the driver’s seat with my seat adjusted for myself at 6 feet tall, and I still had enough room to sit comfortably up front.
The second row also slides forward and backward, so you can adjust the balance between second-row leg room and third-row space depending on your family’s needs.
- Rear-facing fit was better than expected: especially for a midsize three-row SUV
- Sliding second row helps distribute space: between the second and third rows
- Captain’s chairs make loading kids easier: especially when helping buckle multiple children
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