IF IT'S LUXURY YOU'RE AFTER

WE TAKE JEEP'S 2022 SEVEN SEAT GRAND CHEROKEE L FOR A SPIN AND ASK OURSELVES, IS IT REALLY ANY BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS MODEL?

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

JEEP’S 2022 Grand Cherokee L is the brand’s latest shot at creating a family-friendly, three-row, seven-seat 4x4 wagon. Unlike past seven-seat Jeeps, namely the Commander, the Grand Cherokee L steps upmarket as a more premium product worthy of wearing the Grand Cherokee moniker.

The WL Grand Cherokee L is not simply a new and lengthened version of the current WK2 Grand Cherokee which was built on architecture shared with Mercedes-Benz ML models, but an all-new vehicle that rides on a platform derived from Fiat/Alfa Romeo passenger cars and SUVs. Suffice to say, it has been radically altered to become a Jeep with a modicum of off-road capability.

A new short-wheelbase five-seat WL Grand Cherokee has already been launched in the USA and is expected to arrive in Australia late in 2022.

Here in Australia, the Grand Cherokee L is available in three models: the entry-level Grand Cherokee L Night Eagle priced from $82,250; the mid-spec Limited priced from $87,950; and the king-of-the-hill Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve from $115,450. Only the Summit Reserve is equipped with a two-speed transfer case and height-adjustable suspension for off-road use.

For this drive we were restricted to formed roads in the Grand Cherokee L Limited. This particular car was optioned with the premium paint and the Vision Pack that adds a massive sunroof, interior camera and a heads-up driver’s display. Total price for this specimen is $93,950 (plus ORC).

POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE