Used 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a 3-row midsize SUV. And we’re more inclined to say SUV than mere crossover, since this is a Jeep. Which means it offers 4-wheel-drive systems that are more adept than most at tackling tricky surfaces.

That doesn’t mean clumsy manners on the tarmac, however. If it never went further off-road than a suburban driveway, the Grand Cherokee L would still be an excellent family vehicle with many convenience features, plentiful safety equipment, and an agreeable on-road demeanor.

Now in the second year of its existence, the Grand Cherokee L has fresh technology and equally fresh looks. It was the first variant of a new Grand Cherokee generation (the fifth), with the 2-row version making its debut for the 2022 model year.

The regular, 2-row Grand Cherokee is reviewed separately.

The standard 293-horsepower V6 in the 2022 Grand Cherokee L is one of the more powerful in this midsize 3-row SUV class. The V8 is a rarity outside of the luxury realms, making a meaty 357 horsepower. Then again, one of the higher trims with the V8 is approaching luxury prices.

Any gripes tend to evaporate, though, once behind the wheel and enjoying the raised driving position. The ride quality is family friendly, the handling is up to the task keeping this approximately 2.5-ton machine composed, and the brakes feel confident.

It’s doubtful that many owners will start trekking into the wilderness with their new Grand Cherokee L, but an array of optional 4-wheel drive setups could certainly facilitate that. Such a system is good to have in bad weather, anyway. As standard, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is rear-wheel drive.

There’s one feature that makes on-road driving even easier: Active Driving Assist. Drivers must still keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, but this blends adaptive cruise control with next-level lane centering. It’s optional in the Overland and standard in the Summit.

Seating for six is the norm in the 2022 Grand Cherokee L, with a pair of individual seats in the second row. A three-position bench is a no-cost option, however, for anyone who wants accommodation for seven.

Comparing the L with the regular Grand Cherokee, this longer model has about an inch more rear legroom in the second row — a generous 39.4 inches. And, of course, there’s a third seating row in the L, with 30.3 inches of legroom. That’s fine for kids, less bearable for anyone taller. These third-row seats split in a 50/50 fashion, with the top trims bringing a power-fold function.

The L’s cargo space is also greater. There’s 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold them down to create 46.9 (compare that with the regular Grand Cherokee’s 37.7). Drop down the second-row seats as well for a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet, almost 14 cubic feet more than the non-L Grand Cherokee.

Up front is a standard-issue configurable digital driver information display. When the optional 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is also installed, the cabin creates an especially pleasing mix of comfort and technology. The priciest Summit Reserve model is naturally the most indulgent, with diamond-stitched leather upholstery and walnut wood trim.

Arguably handsome, the 2022 Grand Cherokee L is 17 feet in length, 11.4 inches longer than a non-L Grand Cherokee, with a wheelbase (the distance between the axles) that’s 5 inches longer. This bigger body doesn’t look in the least bit ungainly.

Every version has roof rails. The Laredo has the option of a single-pane sunroof, while a dual-pane panoramic sunroof is optional with the Limited mode, standard in the higher trims. Alloy wheel sizes run from 18 to 21 inches.

Generally speaking, the Grand Cherokee L keeps things pretty classy. The wildest it gets is a gloss black contrasting roof that’s an option with the Overland or standard on the Summit.

TECHNOLOGY
Jeep has forged its considerable reputation by making rugged, off-road-capable vehicles. If we think of Jeep software, it might be deliberately under-inflated tires for going over rocks, instead of up-to-the-minute tech features. The 2022 Grand Cherokee L can still wade through two feet of water, but it also offers many driver-assistance features, ambient cabin lighting, wireless charging, self-parking, and several other smart features.

MCINTOSH AUDIO
Anyone who hasn’t heard of McIntosh audio equipment should do a quick Google. It’s seriously high-end stuff and priced accordingly. Now the company is making systems for Jeep, available in the top trims of the 2022 Grand Cherokee L.

Driving a Laredo down the streets entails 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/taillights, 10.25-inch digital driver information display, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 3-zone automatic climate control.

Safety features include full-speed forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, rear parking sensors with automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control with stop/go.

The infotainment system has an 8.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, 12 USB ports distributed around the cabin (including Type-C), voice control, over-the-air updates, and six speakers.

Altitude builds on the Laredo model with 20-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, remote start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 115-volt outlet, wireless charging, and a powered liftgate.

Limited trim adds automatic high beams, LED fog lights, leather seating surfaces, memory settings for the front seats, heated second-row seats, self-dimming rearview mirror, and a garage door opener.

Overland brings an adaptive suspension, hands-free liftgate operation, puddle lights, front parking sensors, self-dimming/auto-tilt driver’s-side mirror, dual-pane panoramic sunroof with powered shade, 20-inch alloy wheels, perforated Nappa leather seating surfaces, heated/ventilated front seats, power-adjustable steering column, 5-color ambient cabin lighting, wood trim, navigation, and a 9-speaker/506-watt Alpine audio system.

Some of these items are optional in the Limited model. The Overland also qualifies for the V8 engine, off-road tires and a more specialized 4-wheel-drive system, 4-zone automatic climate control, massaging front seats, 360-degree camera system, intersection assistance, Active Driving Assist, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Summit trim is eligible for the V8, while coming standard with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a self-parking feature for parallel and perpendicular spaces, and most of the aforementioned Overland options.

All variants of the 2022 Grand Cherokee L can be ordered with wireless phone charging. The top three trims offer the digital review mirror and manual second-row shades. The top two are eligible for a rear-seat monitoring camera, night vision (infrared camera images in the infotainment screen), and a head-up display.

Summit Reserve has 21-inch alloy wheels, diamond-stitched Palermo leather seating surfaces, walnut wood trim, heated/ventilated second-row seats, and a 19-speaker/950-watt McIntosh audio system.

A trailer tow package with 4-pin/7-pin harness and Class IV hitch receiver is optional in rear-drive Overland and Summit models, standard in those top two versions with 4-wheel drive.

The standard engine of the 2022 Grand Cherokee L lineup is a 3.6-liter V6. It’s a well-used and well-liked unit, deployed in many Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge vehicles. Output is 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Overland and Summit trims offer the option of a 5.7-liter V8 developing 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is fine with regular 87-octane gasoline; the V8 requires 89-octane.

Either way, an 8-speed automatic transmission is the next carriage in the powertrain. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the basic setup with the V6, with 4-wheel drive (4WD) as an option. The V8 doesn’t offer that choice — it’s 4-wheel drive all the way.

These fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency relate to 2021, but 2022’s should be the same.

3.6-liter V6
293 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (2WD), 18/25 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
357 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 mpg (4WD)