Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L: What's The Difference?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a classic in the car world, providing adventure and luxury in a design far more fit for a wide range of people. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a steadfast choice, and there are several versions of the vehicle - the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L. What is there to consider with the Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L?

Whether you want to invest in a version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee for yourself or are considering it for the future, there is much to ponder when looking at what sets apart the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L. Read on to learn more about these distinctions and which selection we find to be the winner. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L: What’s the Difference?

Although the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L sound like similar vehicles, there are many significant differences. They have some similar general features, but there are more that distinguish them from each other.

Here are some significant differences between the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L:

• Interior design
• Features
• Audience focus

These are the largest items that have significant differences between each choice.

One is meant for luxury, the other is focused on a more general crowd who doesn’t want something as off-road-focused as classics like the Jeep Wrangler. Keep reading to better understand more differences and determine if you are more of a Grand Cherokee or Grand Cherokee L person. 

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Performance and Handling: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Of course, one of the most significant items to consider when looking at the Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L is the performance and handling. Jeeps are known for their ability on dirt and paved roads, and that’s certainly the case in the Grand Cherokee specification of the vehicle.

Here are the performance specifications of the Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• 3.6-liter V-6 engine
• 293 horsepower
• 7.4 seconds to 60 mph

Some versions of the vehicle have close to a foot of ground clearance.

Here are the performance specifications for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L:

• V-6 engine/V-8 engine
• 290 horsepower/357 horsepower
• 6.2-8.0 seconds to 60 mph

The Grand Cherokee L does have some pep in its step. 

The Grand Cherokee is a composed selection, so anyone behind the wheel will experience stability and comfort. It provides a smooth ride, which can be surprising. The Grand Cherokee L is poky and a little peppy, providing an exciting ride but slightly less smooth than the Grand Cherokee design. 

Interior Features and Styling: Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Jeep provides an exciting exterior, which is part of what makes it so significant. However, the outside isn’t what most will see. The interior is where you will spend most of your time, so it’s critical to compare the two.

Here are the interior features and styling choices of the Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• Modernized interior
• Upgraded offerings like quilted upholstery and open-pore wood trims
• Infotainment like a 10.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality speakers

The latest version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is far better than in the past.

Here are the interior features and styling choices of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L:

• Three rows of seats
• Luxuries like quilted seats and open-pore wood trims
• Tech like in-dash navigation and ample screens

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the epitome of luxury.

Although the Grand Cherokee tries to keep up with the L, there is little competition. The luxury-based, high-end Grand Cherokee L takes the cake. 

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THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE L YEARS TO AVOID

For savvy buyers looking to make the most of their investment and ensure a reliable family hauler, understanding which Jeep Grand Cherokee L years to avoid becomes an essential part of the buying experience.

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Safety: Jeep Grand Cherokee L

While the interior is a valuable consideration when looking at the Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L, safety is another valuable tool to have at your disposal. Jeep does well integrating high-quality safety features into their Jeep designs. That includes both Grand Cherokee selections.

Here are the safety features of the Grand Cherokee:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control

Everyone can feel safe behind the wheel and in the passenger seats.

Here are the safety features of the Grand Cherokee L:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

The Grand Cherokee L also has excellent crash-test ratings.

Both vehicles are equipped with excellent tools to keep people safe. However, the Grand Cherokee L has far more upgrades than the simpler Grand Cherokee. 

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10 CARS LIKE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES

We highlight the ten best cars like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and what makes them a compelling alternative.

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Price Point: Jeep Grand Cherokee 

The price point is another valuable consideration, especially checking out the cost of each vehicle. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L tends to be far more expensive than the Jeep Grand Cherokee selection thanks to all its features.

Here are the price points available for the Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo: $39,830
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X: $40,580
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude: $44,435
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude X: $44,935
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited: $47,700
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland: $62,790
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit: $64,355
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve: $68,835

It’s a solid selection with ample price points.

Here are the price points for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo: $41,830
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo X: $42,330
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L Altitude: $46,435
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L Altitude X: $46,935
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited: $49,700
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland: $64,790
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit: $66,355
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve: $70,835

These selections are more expensive than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is far more affordable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. If you want to save money, we recommend the Grand Cherokee over the Grand Cherokee L.

Which Vehicle Is the Winner?

We’ve considered all the details in the Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L. They tie on many fronts, but we would consider the Grand Cherokee the winner of the two. It’s more practical for a wider range of people.

If you enjoy luxury, however, the Grand Cherokee L has ample features available. It’s well worth the additional expenses.

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