What's the difference?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been big. But if you want to carry more than five people, not big enough. Which is where the all-new, fifth-generation model comes in.
It’s the Grand Cherokee L. Jeep’s first-ever seven-seat version of its flagship SUV.
It’s set to compete with top-spec versions of mainstream models like the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota LandCruiser Prado, as well as premium full-size family trucksters like the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90.
Jeep invited us to the Grand Cherokee L’s Australian launch to get a first taste of how it measures up to local conditions.
This is the new Tesla Model Y L, of course, but before we even start I need to ask you a very important question.
How often, honestly, do you use all seven seats in your seven-seater? Or if you only have five seats, how often is there a human in every single one?
Rarely, if ever?
Yep, me too. So stick around, because this is, by far, the best family SUV seating layout. And one where there’ll finally be no fighting over who gets stuck with the dodgy seat.
And as a result, the six-seat Tesla Model Y L might just be among the best all-electric SUV offerings around.
Jeep’s aim with this car is to lift the Grand Cherkee to a more premium level, and that’s about brand equity and badge credibility as much as it is the vehicle itself.
The seven-seat L has stepped up in price, but also in practicality, refinement and equipment, while maintaining serious off-road ability.
Does it have what it takes to tempt people away from, say, the German Big Three? That’s a tough ask, but this Jeep certainly has more of what it takes to make that a real possibility.Â
For mine, the entry-level Night Eagle is the pick. Well equipped, heaps of safety and plenty of off-highway prowess.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
If you like the five-seat Model Y, then you'll like the six-seat L version even more. I think this the best example of Tesla's electric SUV to date, and the cabin layout just makes a lot of sense, and would suit plenty of families who don't need to squeeze someone into a compromised middle seat.
Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.