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Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L


The Jeep Grand Cherokee has two rows and five seats; the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has three rows and seats six or seven, depending on configuration. That extra row is the main difference, but it also changes how you organize passengers, pack for a weekend, and park around town.

At Harr Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR), we help drivers across Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, explore those practical details. Read our Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee L comparison and decide which one you’d like to test-drive!

Key takeaways:

  • Choose your seating arrangement first: five seats in the Grand Cherokee, or six or seven in the Grand Cherokee L.
  • Compare cargo space with the seats positioned as you will use them: maximum cargo figures assume the rear seats are folded.
  • Check the individual vehicle’s equipment: towing capacity, 4x4 capability, screens, and assistance features vary.

Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L: Size and Seating Compared

The Grand Cherokee provides five-passenger seating in a shorter body, while the Grand Cherokee L adds a third row and additional cargo configurations. Your usual passenger count is a useful starting point.

The two-row Grand Cherokee measures 193.5 inches long and 77.5 inches wide, excluding mirrors, with a 116.7-inch wheelbase. Height measures 70.8 inches with the standard suspension. Jeep lists the Grand Cherokee L Summit at 204.9 inches long and 77.5 inches wide.* That additional length is worth considering alongside your garage dimensions and the parking spaces you regularly use around Worcester.

When it comes to cargo, here you can find the answers:

ModelCargo Space
Jeep Grand Cherokee37.7 cubic feet behind the second row; 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L17.2 cubic feet behind the third row; 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded; 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

For a family afternoon near Lake Quinsigamond, the two-row model provides room for five people and their belongings. The L lets you choose between carrying additional passengers and folding the third row for equipment.

According to Jeep’s Grand Cherokee L overview, second-row bucket seats create a six-passenger configuration, while an available bench increases seating to seven. Available power-folding third-row seats add another way to adjust the cabin as plans change.**

Engine Performance and Towing: Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L

The official Grand Cherokee family includes two gasoline engines paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. Engine selection depends on trim and configuration.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 is the standard engine for Laredo and Laredo X models, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo increases output to 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque and is standard on Laredo Altitude and higher trims in the published family lineup.

For shoppers traveling along I-290 or planning longer trips through New England, a test drive can help reveal how each powertrain responds during acceleration and highway travel. Engine specifications are useful, but your impressions behind the wheel matter, too.

Maximum towing for both SUVs reaches 6,200 pounds when properly equipped!

Which SUV Is Better for 4x4 Driving and Off-Road Adventures?

The right choice comes down to the specific 4x4 equipment and the terrain you plan to travel. Two rows versus three rows does not, by itself, establish off-road capability. Jeep identifies three available systems across the Grand Cherokee family:

  • Quadra-Trac I®: A full-time, single-speed system with brake-lock differential functionality.
  • Quadra-Trac II®: A two-speed transfer case that adds low-range gearing for conditions requiring additional low-speed control.
  • Quadra-Drive® II: Low-range capability with a rear electronic limited-slip differential to help distribute traction.

Availability varies by trim and configuration. Available Selec-Terrain® provides selectable settings for different surfaces, while available Quadra-Lift® air suspension adjusts ride height.

Want a Jeep that's ready for off-road adventures and challenging terrain? The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk offers features designed for trail-focused driving, including up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, and a rear electronic limited-slip differential.

What Technology, Safety Features, And Trims Are Available?

The Grand Cherokee lineup offers several cabin technology levels, so shoppers can focus on the features they will actually use.

Entertainment and Technology

  • Touchscreen: Laredo and Laredo X models feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen.
  • Available infotainment: A 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV system offers a larger display.
  • Smartphone connectivity: Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are available across the published technology offerings.
  • Available technology: Depending on configuration, features include wireless charging, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and McIntosh® audio.

The Grand Cherokee L offers a few extra features that make family trips more convenient. Available Interior FamCam™ lets you check on passengers in the rear seats through the infotainment display, while available Quad-Zone Automatic Temperature Control allows occupants in different rows to adjust their comfort settings.

Available Jeep Grand Cherokee Trims

The Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup offers a range of available trims, including:

  • Laredo
  • Laredo X
  • Laredo Altitude
  • Upland
  • Limited
  • Limited Reserve
  • Trailhawk
  • Overland
  • Summit

Driver-assistance equipment varies. You may find available features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, rear parking assistance, and available surround-view camera technology.

Overview: Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L

Specification2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Seating rowsTwoThree
Passenger capacityFiveSix with second-row bucket seats; seven with available bench
Published length193.5 inches204.9 inches, Summit specification
Body width, excluding mirrors77.5 inches77.5 inches, Summit specification
Cargo behind second row37.7 cubic feet46.9 cubic feet with third row folded
Maximum cargo volume70.8 cubic feet84.6 cubic feet
TransmissionEight-speed automaticEight-speed automatic
Maximum towingUp to 6,200 pounds when properly equippedUp to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped
Notable available cabin technologyHead-up display, digital rearview mirror, premium audioInterior FamCam™, power-folding third row, Quad-Zone Automatic Temperature Control

Which Grand Cherokee Is Right for Your Lifestyle?

The two-row Grand Cherokee makes sense when five seats cover your regular passenger count and you prefer its shorter overall length. Couples, commuters, and smaller households can keep the second row available while using the cargo area for groceries, sports equipment, or weekend bags.

For example, a commute into Worcester followed by a Saturday outing near Wachusett may call for passenger space and a useful cargo compartment, rather than an additional seating row. The two-row configuration keeps that arrangement straightforward.

The Grand Cherokee L adds flexibility for households that regularly bring extra passengers. Second-row bucket seats create separate seating positions, while the available bench increases total capacity to seven.

FAQs

What is the main difference between the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L?

The Grand Cherokee has two rows and five seats. The Grand Cherokee L has three rows and seats six or seven. The L also has a longer body and additional passenger-and-cargo configurations.

Does every Grand Cherokee L seat seven?

No. Second-row bucket seats provide seating for six. An available second-row bench increases capacity to seven, so confirm the seating arrangement on the specific vehicle.

Which Grand Cherokee has more cargo space?

The Grand Cherokee L provides more maximum cargo volume: 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, compared with 70.8 cubic feet in the two-row model. With every passenger row upright, the Grand Cherokee has 37.7 cubic feet behind its second row, while the L has 17.2 cubic feet behind its third row.

Purchase the Grand Cherokee or Grand Cherokee L Online


At Harr CDJR, we can help you explore the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L in person, including seating arrangements, reliability, cargo access, available equipment and financing.

Contact us to discuss a Grand Cherokee L in Worcester, MA, or a two-row Grand Cherokee, and arrange a test drive subject to vehicle availability. We welcome shoppers throughout Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, MA, who want a closer look before choosing!

*Source: Jeep

**Source: Jeep

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