Jeep’s three-row Grand Cherokee L starts well under $40K
When Jeep unveiled the all-new three-row Grand Cherokee L earlier this year, it was clear the automaker intended to take its best-selling nameplate to new heights. One mystery at the time of the unveiling was how much this swank new ride would squeeze your wallet. As of today, we have some answers.
Minimum entry into the three-row Cherokee party is $38,690, including an eye-watering $1695 destination fee (which we’ll roll into all subsequent prices mentioned in this article). That sum scores you a Grand Cherokee L Laredo, with 4×2 capability and Jeep’s ubiquitous Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6. Don’t expect that to be a very common specification, however. Most folks prefer their Jeep to have some sort of 4×4 capability, which means they’ll be hopping into a driver’s seat for no less than $40,690 for a Laredo with Quadra-Trac I, which features a single-speed transfer case. For reference, a rear-wheel-drive base Ford Explorer can be had for around $34,000.
To step up to the Quadra-Track II system and score the two-speed transfer case, you’ll have to jump all the way to the Overland (pictured above in red), which starts at $56,690. Tack on the Off-Road Group package to your Overland, and you’ll hop up to Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4WD system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential. The Overland is also the first trim that opens the door to one of the tastiest upgrades for the Grand Cherokee L: the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 making 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. To get the Hemi, you’ll have to fork over $59,985. Buyers can score than Hemi on the top-trim Summit package as well, which, for $63,985, will also net them Quadra-Drive II.
To get all the bells and whistles, simply opt for the Summit Reserve package and its $63,690 starting price. For that price, you get everything and the proverbial kitchen sink, including a few Summit Reserve-specifics like 21-inch wheels, Quilted Palermo leather seats, Waxed Walnut wood trim, and massaging front seats. If you want the Hemi, bump the price by around $3300 to $66,985. For comparison, a Chevrolet Traverse High Country, the model’s highest trim package, starts at just over $53,00; a Ford Explorer Platinum starts at $55,725.
Fans of forthcoming Jeep models will note that $60K is the ballpark starting price for Jeep’s new Wagoneer, which will appear later this year. While 60-large is the expected starting price, Jeep also mentioned that fully-loaded Grand Wagoneers will crest the six-figure mark. Remember, that vehicle is expected to carry a body-on-frame configuration, while the Grand Cherokee L consists of a unibody construction. (Think Chevy Traverse versus Chevy Tahoe.)
It’s rather impressive to see Jeep marching up the price charts so boldly. That said, both the Grand Cherokee L and the Wagoneer line look extremely compelling. Without having driven either, we can’t say for sure whether they’re worthy of their hefty price tags. Needless to say, we’re excited to get our hands on both in the coming year and find out for ourselves.
