Since its introduction in 1993, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has carved out a niche by combining Jeep’s reputation for off-road utility with the sort of luxury and comfort that makes the SUV such a hit as a daily driver. With Jeep constantly rolling out new trims, packages, and even powertrains, it’s no surprise to see each model evolve throughout the generations. That was the case with the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee, which sported an unmistakable change from the fourth-gen model: an extra row of seating. The Grand Cherokee L is the largest model to date, but it’s far from the only Jeep innovation to hit the midsize SUV’s fifth generation.
When the first hybrid models debuted in the early 2000s, it was hard to picture a day when the eco-friendly powertrain would make its way into the off-road segment, but these days, a quick search for “Jeep dealership near me” is sure to turn up a wealth of hybrid options. Advances in hybrid and all-electric technology have progressed far sooner than many would have thought, with even some of the industry’s hardest-working vehicles embracing the electrified approach. The Wrangler was the first Jeep to get the hybrid treatment with 2021’s 4xe model, and the Grand Cherokee got in on the fun in 2022 when Jeep rolled out the Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Between two and three-row options and the gas and hybrid powertrains — not to mention the six trim levels — finding the right 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to break down some of the major differences, delve into each version’s features, and see which model is right for your unique driving needs. Whether you’re seeing a little extra space or a traditional-yet-luxurious experience or are looking to make regular fill-ups a smaller part of your driving routine, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee has you covered.
The Grand Cherokee L
The three-row Grand Cherokee L is Jeep’s most spacious model since the Commander was discontinued in 2010. Initially, the Grand Cherokee L was the only fifth-gen model on offer, though Jeep did roll out a more traditional two-row model later in the year. With the decision to split the best-selling Grand Cherokee into two distinct models, Jeep has managed to expand the SUV’s appeal without having to invent an entirely new nameplate.
It’s a clever bit of marketing, though it could easily lead to a little confusion for drivers who fail to notice the model’s one-letter suffix. So what are the main differences between the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L? Size and seating capacity are the obvious places to start, with the Grand Cherokee L measuring 11 inches longer. The L also gains extra seats compared to the garden-variety Grand Cherokee, with space for seven versus five in the smaller model.
The Grand Cherokee L prioritizes seating capacity but has managed to avoid that sardines-in-a-can feeling that so many three-row SUVs fall victim to. This is mainly accomplished by replacing the two-row model’s rear bench seats with second-row bucket seats that, in addition to offering best-in-class legroom, also come with available Quad-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, premium materials, and a center console sporting USB ports, storage, and more.
Those seeking a little extra room can swap out the bucket seats for a second-row bench, increasing the total passenger capacity to seven. Overall, the L has around a half inch more headroom and 1.2 inches more legroom than the two-row Grand Cherokee, which, while a modest upgrade, could make a big difference on longer road trips. The Grand Cherokee L also offers increased cargo capacity compared to the two-row version. Drivers will enjoy 84.6 cu.ft. of storage with the two rows folded, compared to 70.8 cu.ft. on the standard Grand Cherokee.
Of course, all that space can create its own set of problems, especially when it comes to maintaining family harmony. With so much real estate to cover, it can be hard for parents to keep tabs on distant third-row passengers, but Jeep has engineered around that common issue with an innovative rear-seat monitoring camera system. Accessed through the SUV’s Uconnect 5 touchscreen display, the built-in provides several live camera feeds monitoring the second and third-row seats that allow parents to keep cargo, kids, and even pets in check.
The Two-Row Grand Cherokee
If you’re looking for a Grand Cherokee that can hold its own on the trail, the smaller two-row version is worth a closer look. The SUV’s shorter length and wheelbase give it improved off-road performance compared to the three-row model, with improved approach, breakover and departure angles, and an improved turning radius that can make all the difference when you’re trying to free yourself from a tight sport. The SUV’s 3.6-liter V6 produces 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, giving drivers all the power they need for whatever the road throws.
Powertrains and off-road credentials aside, the Grand Cherokee is best viewed through a luxury lens. The SUV is no budget mobile, with the entry-level Laredo A trim starting off at $36,495, but Jeep justifies that price by packing the model with a long list of features aimed at elevating ride comfort, convenience, and entertainment. You don’t have to climb too far up the trim ladder to enjoy these benefits, with the Limited (starting at $50,000) including everything from leather upholstery and a power liftgate to heated front and rear seats, ambient interior lighting and automatic high beams to rain-sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, a wireless device charger, and even a digital rearview mirror with the addition of the Lux Tech Group II package.
The Grand Cherokee also boasts a long list of available safety features like front and rear parking sensors, collision avoidance, and a 360-degree camera system that allows drivers to get a better sense of their surroundings. This latter feature can come in especially handy when navigating an off-road trail or densely-packed parking lot, drastically reducing the chance of those bumps and scrapes that could mar the paint job or worse.
The larger, three-row Grand Cherokee L obviously has the two-row version beat regarding seating and cargo capacity, except in one particular area. In carving out a little extra space for the third-row seats, Jeep had to drastically downsize the trunk on the larger model, resulting in a rear storage area that measures just 17.2 cu.ft. With no such concessions to make, the two-row Grand Cherokee features a trunk that’s more than twice the size of its larger cousin, with 37.7 cu.ft. of space in which to stow your groceries, sports equipment, and emergency roadside supplies.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe
Jeep might have been a bit of a latecomer, but it’s certainly making up for lost time with the introduction of its 4xe (that’s “four by e”) models, which combine Jeep’s rugged legacy with hybrid technology to create some of the most efficient off-roaders to date. The Grand Cherokee joined the hybrid wave in 2022, earning its own 4xe model that gives the SUV an all-electric range of 25 miles and a 56 mpg-equivalent (MPGe) that represents a significant improvement over the gas-powered version’s 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
This is made possible thanks to the 4xe powertrain, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with an electric motor to give the Jeep 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Best of all, every Grand Cherokee 4xe comes standard with four-wheel drive, replacing the rear-wheel drive setup found on the purely V6-powered version. The hybrid powertrain is eminently customizable, allowing drivers to select between Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save modes. In Hybrid mode, the SUV uses both the gas engine and electric motor to deliver maximum fuel efficiency, while Electric mode uses the motor until the battery is drained or the driver requires additional torque. E-Save mode keeps the electric battery in reserve, leaning on the gas-powered engine to get the job done.
While the Grand Cherokee might lack some of the go-anywhere bona fides of the rock-crawling, dune-busting Wrangler, the introduction of the SUV’s Trailhawk trim has gone a long way toward closing the gap. Originally offered on all two-row, fifth-generation Grand Cherokee models, the off-road package has been scaled back to the 4xe from 2023 onward. Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system represents the crown jewel of the Trailhawk’s off-road gear, giving the SUV a 2.72:1 low range and a 47.4:1 crawl ratio along with an electronic limited-slip differential.
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is also the only SUV in its class to offer a front electronic disconnecting anti-roll bar, which allows for increased articulation in uneven off-road terrain. 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires and Trailhawk-exclusive 18-inch wheels come standard, and 10,000-pound-rated tow hooks could come in handy in case of an emergency rescue, but our favorite Trailhawk feature would have to be the model’s Quadra-Lift air suspension.
Built with semi-active damping and five different height settings, the Quadra-Lift system allows drivers to raise or lower the Grand Cherokee by as much as 4.7 inches, depending on the conditions they might encounter. The Trailhawk trim also comes with a best-in-class 35.7-degree approach angle and is no slouch when it comes to the departure or breakover angles, which measure in at 30 degrees and 22.3 degrees, respectively.
The Grand Cherokee’s Expanded Lineup Offers a Wide Range of Possibilities
Between the three-row L, original two-row model, and new hybrid 4xe, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most versatile SUVs in the midsize class. While many other automakers might have spun off the longer L and 4xe as their own distinct models, Jeep is ever the iconoclast, defying expectations to create a one-of-a-kind SUV that defies all expectations. Those seeing a true off-road contender should look into the 4xe’s Trailhawk trim, which loads the SUV down with a full slate of heavy-duty equipment to achieve its full Trail Rated potential.
Powerful yet efficient, the 4xe allows Jeep drivers to explore new terrain while leveraging the latest in hybrid technology. The two-row Grand Cherokee is a classic — and Jeep’s best-seller — for a clear reason, striking an enviable balance between power, luxury and comfort that’s made the SUV a success story. Those in the market for an even larger version of the Grand Cherokee should find plenty of room in the newer L version, which maxes out the SUV’s passenger and storage capacity while retaining much of its storied grit. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee might face some healthy competition from the competitive midsize segment, but few can match the model’s pure flexibility.
