The Jeep Grand Cherokee – now in its 5th generation – recently became available as a 5-seater. With a mere R20k price difference between this variant and its “L” 7-seat counterpart, does the “smaller” Grand Cherokee make sense as a full-sized family car?
We like: Design, ride/handling balance, well-built, comfortable cabin and loads of features
We don’t like: Quite thirsty, for an extra R20k you can have 7 seats…
FAST FACTS
- Model: Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6 4×4 Overland
- Price: R1 570 900 (September 2023)
- Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrol
- Power/Torque: 210 kW/344 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0-100kph: 7.9 sec (tested)
- Fuel consumption: 9.9 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage/Utility space: 1 068 litres
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Where does the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee fit in?
When the 5th iteration of Jeep’s successful Grand Cherokee premium SUV arrived in Mzansi last year, it did so exclusively in 7-seat “L” form – the first time that a Grand Cherokee was offered with a 3rd row.
More recently, in May, Stellantis expanded the line-up by introducing 5-seater derivatives, powered by the same 3.6-litre V6 engine, and offered in the same trim lines: Limited, Overland and Summit Reserve.
With only R20 000 separating a 5-seat Grand Cherokee Overland from the 7-seat “L” of the same specification, one has to wonder who would specifically opt for the “smaller” vehicle…
Compare Grand Cherokee 3.6 4×4 Overland with its Land Rover Defender and BMW X5 counterparts
How the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
The difference between the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5-seater and the 7-seat “L” is immediately obvious when you view the former in profile or from a rear three-quarter angle. This variant rides on a wheelbase that is 127 mm shorter than the 7-seater and, bumper-to-bumper, it’s a substantial 292 mm shorter. This alone might be significant for some customers, who may find that the “L” doesn’t fit into their garage!
Furthermore, the new 5-seat variant retains the same width as the “L”, but is slightly lower (by 15 mm) even though it has an identical ground clearance of 276 mm. The overall result is that the “smaller” Grand Cherokee actually looks more muscular and broad-shouldered than its “L” counterpart, the latter of which can appear somewhat ungainly from some angles.
Like the L variant we tested last year, the test unit sported Overland trim, which endows it with just enough bling to make it worthy of its premium SUV designation; to its credit, the look isn’t over the top. The wheels are big, glossy 20-inch items, and there are striking LED lighting signatures fore and aft.
Inside, you’ll find what is arguably the best Jeep cabin ever. The finishes have a premium look, and even when the Grand Cherokee traversed uneven surfaces, its interior panels emitted no rattles or squeaks. This Jeep seems well-screwed together – which isn’t something that could be said of all its forebears.
Overland specification means that the 3.6 4×4 derivative comes equipped with a number of rather nifty features. Fronting the driver is a digital instrument cluster that can be adjusted to display information in a variety of layouts. The grand fascia is dominated by an impressive-looking and high-resolution 10.1-inch touchscreen that is integral to the Uconnect 5 system. Of course, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility is included and, overall, the built-in Uconnect system is intuitive and performs slickly.
A quirky feature – and it’s one that will inevitably become a talking point whenever someone enters the Jeep’s cabin for the first time – is the touchscreen positioned ahead of the front passenger. Designed in such a way so as to be invisible (and therefore not distracting) to the driver, it gives the front passenger access to navigation info, camera views and visual entertainment; it certainly keeps teenagers engaged.
For the most part, the Grand Cherokee 5-seater’s cabin is identical to that of the “L” variant, particularly at the front. Towards the rear, however, the slightly shorter wheelbase and reduced overall body length are hard not to notice. The “L” is a genuine 7-seater that even offers some luggage space when the 3rd row is occupied, so for families who might need that, the choice is simple – pay R20k more and get the “L”, but if you don’t, then there’s still plenty of rear occupant space and a sizeable luggage compartment.
Jeep claims a load capacity of 1 068 litres, but we’re unsure whether that figure was achieved by packing the bay to the roof – or the parcel shelf. Still, this model’s load bay is one of the bigger ones in its class.
Also worth noting is that the 5-seat Grand Cherokee has the same tow rating as its “L” sibling (2 813 kg).
Performance and Efficiency
Under the bonnet of the test unit was exactly the same naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that does duty in the entire Grand Cherokee line-up; it is said that Jeep’s oil-burning engines can’t handle our 50ppm diesel, unfortunately. The V6 delivers 210 kW and 344 Nm, but both its power and torque outputs are bested by those of the Land Rover and BMW (they’re both turbopetrols). It’s also worth noting that the peak torque is developed quite high in the rev range (at 4 000 rpm).
The engine is coupled with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that does well to hide the V6’s relative lack of grunt at low revs, but it often needs to click down 2-, 3- or even 4 gears to achieve the necessary oomph to execute brisk overtaking manoeuvres. It does emit a lovely snarl when doing so, however. This Jeep is definitely fleet of foot, though: we recorded a 0-100 kph time of 7.9 seconds.
Of course, smaller also usually means lighter. Indeed, the 5-seat Grand Cherokee is a notable 100 kg (or so) lighter than its “L” 7-seater sibling. Still, that 3.6-litre powerplant has never been known for delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and, while Jeep claims an average consumption figure of 9.9 L/100 km for this derivative, our real-world average worked out to a less-than-impressive 12.5 L/100 km. Gulp!
Comfort and Features
Priced at R1 570 900, the 3.6 V6 4×4 Overland comes comprehensively equipped and still undercuts models such as the Land Rover Defender 110 (by more than R200k) and the most affordable BMW X5, which would need some option boxes ticked to come close to matching the American offering.
We’ve already mentioned the advanced and impressive uConnect 5 infotainment system. Also fitted to the Overland is a McIntosh high-performance audio system that features a 17-channel amplifier with a maximum output of 950W and 19 speakers. The system produces excellent sound quality.
Meanwhile, the Jeep’s front seats offer a wide range of electric adjustments, as well as heating and cooling functions, while the outer pews of the 2nd-row also feature heating. The multifunction steering wheel also features heating, which was a welcome feature in the heart of a particularly cold Cape winter.
Other noteworthy features include a digital rear-view mirror (pioneered by Land Rover) and simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity for 2 smartphones. There is also no shortage of charging solutions: at the front, a wireless charging pad is complemented by two USB-A and two USB-C charging ports. As for the rear passengers, they can utilise two USB-A and two USB-C ports, as well as a 3-pin 230V power outlet.
In addition to the usual active safety features, the Overland also features collision warning with active braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, parallel and perpendicular park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, active lane management, adaptive cruise control, a drowsy-driver detection system and much more.
Ride and Handling
In Overland specification, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is fitted with attractive dual-tone 20-inch alloy wheels (shod with 265/50 tyres) and rides on adaptive air suspension as standard. Much of the Grand Cherokee’s architecture is related to the rear-wheel-drive Grigio platform that also underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Maserati Grecale – two of the more fun-to-drive premium SUVs on the market.
The Grand Cherokee’s suspension set-up is obviously softer, and it does an admirable job around town and out on the open road to deliver a supple ride quality which, in combination with good noise, vibration and harshness control, results in a very relaxed cabin ambience. At higher speeds, the suspension will automatically adjust to a lower position to aid the vehicle’s aerodynamic- and, therefore, fuel efficiency.
The Jeep badge still has plenty of off-road “cred”, but, as we found with its bigger “L” sibling, some of the Grand Cherokee’s off-road ability has been sacrificed for on-road comfort – and wisely so. Still, the shorter 5-seat version has superior approach and departure angles to its “L” counterpart, so based on simple geometry alone, the shorter Grand Cherokee should be able to venture a little further off-road.
It still features Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II off-road system, lockable low range and selectable off-road modes. If you really want to tackle the rough often, then the Summit Reserve derivative is the one to go for.
Price and After-Sales Support
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6 V6 Overland costs R1 570 900 (before options, September 2023). The price includes a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km comprehensive maintenance plan. Note that service intervals are relatively short (12 000 km).
Verdict
Although the most obvious purchasing decision here appears to be “spend another R20 000 and get the extra flexibility that the Grand Cherokee L 7-seater offers”, the 5-seat model nonetheless has its merits.
Slightly lighter on fuel, easier to manoeuvre and park and less compromised in terms of its aesthetics, it offers quite a lot of value for money, considering the price tags attached to its British and German rivals.
Related content:
Jeep Grand Cherokee L (2022) Review
