2023 Jeep Cherokee L: Adaptability is King

The Grand Cherokee has a deep history that dates back 50 years to 1983 when American Motors Corporation was designing the successor for the smaller Jeep Cherokee (XJ). It was during that time the Cherokee would show its true colors as a vehicle that has true staying power. It survived the sale of AMC to Chrysler which was dicey as CEO Lee Iacocca would delay production of the Cherokee for a number of years in favor of his minivan redesigns.

When the Grand Cherokee finally made its long-awaited debut almost 10 years after the design process had begun, it did so in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was also recognized as the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product. When it was released to the public it came in three separate trim levels: base (also known as SE), Laredo, and Limited. The Cherokee, now a fifth-generation vehicle, has shown like the minivan it has real staying power and no matter what is happening in the automotive industry, it has the ability to adapt and survive. It doesn't hurt that it also has a loyal following. When this new fifth-gen Cherokee L was unveiled in 2021, the 'mid-size' term was stretched a bit by about a foot to accommodate a new three-row version making the Cherokee again adaptable for the changing times.

Press Loan

My Jeep press loan for the week was the Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve 4x4. This all-new three-row Cherokee L provides ample amount of room for families on the go during the week or also for any long weekend adventure they choose to pursue. The genius of Cherokee's three-row design is engineers were able to add a third row without comprising second-row spacing. And for those families that prefer off-grid fun, the Cherokee is head and shoulders above its competitors in the mid-size SUV category. One thing the original Cherokee designers got right from the start, is the unibody chassis platform the Cherokee rides on, allowing for better off-road handling and ride. Today that same platform has the ability to now tow 7,200 lbs of family fun to any off-grid destination compared to most competitors' 5,000lb tow capacity. That is a big difference when it comes to the camping trailer or boat you can buy.

Power Plant

The Cherokee I had for the week came with the 3.6 L Pentastar V6 gas engine that produces 290 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. I wasn't using the Cherokee for any type of street drag racing on Discovery Channel, so I found the 3.6 produced more than enough giddy up for my daily errand runs around the suburbs or for my four-hour round trip to the lake. If you are going to pull a 7,000lb camper or boat, common sense would probably suggest you should jump up to the 5.7L Hemi power plant for the extra torque. (357 hp 390 lb-ft torque) As if I have to convince you to buy a Hemi, The Hemi power plant does come with the magical Multi-Displacement System that turns the Hemi beast into a fuel-efficient family car. See my Charger article about the Hemi engine as an eco-friendly family car.

New for 2023

One of the more interesting features that is offered with the 2023 Grand Cherokee L is the front passenger interactive touchscreen display. The widescreen display is seamlessly integrated into the woodgrain trim on the passenger side of the dashboard, allowing the passenger to view the GPS navigation map, and send destinations directly to the central touchscreen display's navigation system. The passenger can also stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth to the vehicle's audio system

McIntosh Sound System

Also for the first time, the Grand Cherokee L will offer an amplified surround sound audio system produced by the iconic American music company McIntosh Sound Labs. During the design phase to ensure occupants in the Jeep vehicles experienced a true McIntosh luxury home audio experience, there was a lot of back and forth between the test vehicle and the McIntosh Reference Room from engineers from both companies.

We understand that customers don't just want great sound. They want to get a full sensory experience. And that's why it was so important that we left no stone unturned to deliver a true McIntosh Entertainment System for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. We're thrilled to bring our brand to a whole new group of people who may never have experienced McIntosh before

Charlie Randall, President of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

The McIntosh MX950 Entertainment System in the Cherokee L has 19 speakers placed in 12 locations to deliver precision sound and there is also a 17-channel amplifier that delivers the 950Watts of power to ensure passengers in all three rows of seats are enveloped in a massive sweet spot to hear music just as the artist intended. I am happy to say it was accomplished. Because of the bandwidth the system works with, if you close your eyes, it will feel like you are at a concert.

Other new features available for the first time on a Grand Cherokee include:

• Massaging front seats
• Rear seat view camera
• Surround-view (360-degree) camera system
• Rearview camera digital mirror
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Qi-compatible wireless device charging
• Heated and ventilated second-row seats
• Second-row captain's chairs
• Twenty-one-inch tires and wheels
• Level 2 semi-autonomous driving technology
• Power-folding second and third-row seats

I feel like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit is again a trailblazer in the SUV segment, as it was almost 50 years ago, combining the brand's rugged heritage with modern luxury and cutting-edge technology. Imagine you have traveled deep off the grid along the Canadian/U.S. border with no cell or internet service. It is now dark outside and all you see is a sky full of bright twinkling stars. You are sitting in your comfy camping chair with your favorite adult beverage in hand, your feet propped up on a cooler when you get a pleasing whiff of burning logs in the fire you started to chase the mosquitoes away.

As you close your eyes and settle in to listen to your favorite music on the 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, for only a moment, and then the moment's gone, you feel like you were at an outdoor concert listening to the music live. To me, that's what trailblazing looks, sounds and smells like. Go to a dealership and listen to this iconic sound system, because you know what a burning fire log smells like, and you know the Jeep Cherokee L will most definitely deliver you to the off-grid spot I described.

Specifications

Engine: 290 horsepower 3.6 L Pentastar V6
Torque: 257 pound-feet
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Wheels: 21”
Touchscreen: 10.1”
Sound: McIntosh MX950 Entertainment System in the Cherokee L has 19 speakers placed in 12 locations
Color: Hydro Blue Pearl
Fuel: 18/25/21 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (shown): $78,820

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Jeep Grand Cherokee

About Jeep

Built on 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand that brings capability, craftsmanship, and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle range consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee 4xe, Renegade and Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand's vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom. All Jeep brand SUVs will offer an electrified variant by 2025.