[KrisW]

So I'm confused about news I'm hearing about where this is being built. They say both the short and long versions will be built at Mack Avenue assembly but that the current model will continue on at Jefferson North?

Mack was always capable of building both versions, but was expected to start with the long one first, while Jefferson would follow with the short. Why they've decided this is a mystery, but I suspect it's short term until the model-mix becomes clearer.

I haven't seen trims yet, but my suspicion is that WL cars will be top-spec only at first, with WK2 filling in the budget end of the range. This worked for JK/JL and DS/DT, so it's no surprise to see it again.

 

[tomaz]

Mack was always capable of building both versions, but was expected to start with the long one first, while Jefferson would follow with the short. Why they've decided this is a mystery, but I suspect it's short term until the model-mix becomes clearer.

I haven't seen trims yet, but my suspicion is that WL cars will be top-spec only at first, with WK2 filling in the budget end of the range. This worked for JK/JL and DS/DT, so it's no surprise to see it again.

FCA and Jeep needs a 3 row, therefore the L became a priority. Journey is gone so Durango takes its place as a Budget 3 row in lesser Trims. The L becomes the premium 3rd row offering.

 

[Adventurer55]

Is it possible the the current GC hangs around for a time? Maybe in the lower trim levels like the Laredo?

 

[HEMI345]

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L preview: Three-row crossover adds more than seats

...

The two engine options at launch are familiar. The base engine will be the 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 found up and down the FCA lineup. The optional choice will be the Hemi 5.7-liter V-8, here making 357 hp. It will be offered on all trims except the Laredo.

Four-wheel drive will come standard across each of the four trim levels, but Jeep will offer three 4x4 systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II.
...

The highest off-road setting boosts ground clearance all the way up to 10.9 inches and gives the Grand Cherokee L approach, departure, and breakover angles of 30.1, 23.6, 22.6 degrees, respectively. These figures trail those of the current Grand Cherokee (36.1, 27.1, 22.8 degrees) when equipped with air suspension despite the two-row SUV’s slightly shorter 10.8-inch ride height.

...

Jeep will also offer a digital rearview mirror, a night vision forward camera, a surround-view camera system, and parking assist. Jeep also plans to introduce a Level 2 autonomous hands-free highway driving system on the Grand Cherokee L, but it won’t arrive until the 2022 model year. We asked if vehicles sold before then would be able to upgrade to that system either via an OTA update or at a dealership, but Jeep declined to provide further information.

 

[HEMI345]

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Revealed: Three Rows, Grand Looks, More Tech

The wheelbase of the L model extends to 121.7 inches, giving way to a total length of 204.9 inches. By comparison, the current two-row Grand Cherokee has a wheelbase of 114.8 inches and stretches out to 189.8 inches in total length. The track of the Grand Cherokee L also grows by 1.4 inches in width.

On the Overland and Summit models, the front bucket seats are 16-way power-adjustable, heated and ventilated, and offer a massage function with five customizable profiles. The Overland and Summit models also offer heated second-row seats as an option, with heating and ventilation standard on the range-topping Summit Reserve model.

Thanks to the Grand Cherokee L's newfound size, this Jeep now has more cargo room than any other model before it. Behind the third row is a modest 17.1 cubic feet of space, which grows to 46.9 cubes behind the second row, and with both rows folded flat, the cabin expands to allow for 84.6 cubic feet of total cargo room. By comparison, the two-row model offers 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.3 cubes with the second row folded flat.

an optional high-performance audio system with 19 speakers, and a dual-pane sunroof on the Overland and Limited models.

With the 3.6-liter V6, the Grand Cherokee L can tow up to 6,200 pounds in either two- or four-wheel-drive configurations, while the more-robust V8 can tug up to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

The Grand Cherokee L starts production at Mack, followed by the Grand Cherokee.

Jefferson North will get an investment after Grand Cherokee production ends there this fall.

Interestingly, it has been announced that Durango SRT Hellcat production will end at the same time.

To retool the Jefferson North, Durango production may have to stop.

The question is: Will Durango production start up again?

I think most do not believe the rumors about Durango going to Warren and becoming a BOF SUV.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

I don't think that these renderings are correct. Good but not correct.

It seems the renderings were very accurate.

 

[Call Me Mr_Stark]

Right this is more like Chevy Traveres (Durango) vs Cadillac Xt5 (GC). But GMC Acadia Denali vs Buick Enclave insert forgettable luxury trim... in the same showroom are competing vehicles

The GMC Acadia vs Buick Enclave is close...but again, they appeal to different people aesthetically and in purpose. But, similar pricing and features. Interestingly enough, the latest Acadia is smaller than Enclave and Traverse.
As for the comparison of Traverse vs Cadillac...bingo. BUT, I think you mean XT6. XT5 is based off of Chevy equinox and only has 2 rows and is way smaller than Durango.

 

[Call Me Mr_Stark]

The Grand Cherokee L starts production at Mack, followed by the Grand Cherokee.

Jefferson North will get an investment after Grand Cherokee production ends there this fall.

Interestingly, it has been announced that Durango SRT Hellcat production will end at the same time.

To retool the Jefferson North, Durango production may have to stop.

The question is: Will Durango production start up again?

I think most do not believe the rumors about Durango going to Warren and becoming a BOF SUV.

Durango is NOT moving to Warren. However, it is possible it goes BOF for next generation. And there will be a next generation.

 

[savio.79]

Any news about the difference in length and wheelbase between this one and the WL74?

 

[Erik Latranyi]

Durango is NOT moving to Warren. However, it is possible it goes BOF for next generation. And there will be a next generation.

LOL - Where would it be built as BOF if not Warren?

You say there will be a next generation....just like the next generation Avenger, Journey, Charger and Challenger.....

Durango is redundant as a CUV (Grand Cherokee L) or as a BOF vehicle (Wagoneer).

 

[HEMI345]

Overall, I am not convinced yet with some of the numbers. Here are some of them:

• 357 hp of outdated 5.7 hemi. I thought we should get the Ram version of hemi.
• Quadra-Drive II - which is seems to me the same system since 2005. Not sure about gear ratio or the 4 low capabilities. Besides the approach, and departure angles.
• The third-row’s space is small.
• The tow capacity for hemi is 7,200 comparing to 8,700 of Durango.
• The Level 2 autonomous seems is not ready yet.

I prefer to pay more and get Wagoneer with better engine, tow, space, .. everything.

 

[suzq044]

I'm surprised the media has dropped all the info before the reveal.. usually it's like, immediately after. It also looks like C&D thought it was a midnight reveal, not noon today.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

I'm surprised the media has dropped all the info before the reveal.. usually it's like, immediately after. It also looks like C&D thought it was a midnight reveal, not noon today.

Embargo was until midnight...reveal is at noon

 

[Erik Latranyi]

Overall, I am not convinced yet with some of the numbers. Here are some of them:

• 357 hp of outdated 5.7 hemi. I thought we should get the Ram version of hemi.
• Quadra-Drive II - which is seems to me the same system since 2005. Not sure about gear ratio or the 4 low capabilities. Besides the approach, and departure angles.
• The third-row’s space is small.
• The tow capacity for hemi is 7,200 comparing to 8,700 of Durango.
• The Level 2 autonomous seems is not ready yet.

I prefer to pay more and get Wagoneer with better engine, tow, space, .. everything.

Powertrains, four-wheel drive systems and air suspension are all carry-over.

Third row seat legroom is smaller than the Hyundai/Kia 3-rows which top out at $48K. Grand Cherokee L is expected to top out at $60K+.

 

[T_690]

Powertrains, four-wheel drive systems and air suspension are all carry-over.

Third row seat legroom is smaller than the Hyundai/Kia 3-rows which top out at $48K. Grand Cherokee L is expected to top out at $60K+.

Grand Cherokee is Lincoln's competitor nowadays. You can add Audi Q7 into the mix of you prefer it.

I would not use EPA's leg room dimensions as accurate. Besides you can't directly compare FWD vs RWD.

Even if this is true I would point to a rear suspension design as feature which eats some of space at the rear. Independent rear suspension is very similar as one on WK2, it's different then on on-road biased Giulia and Stelvio.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

Grand Cherokee is Lincoln's competitor nowadays. You can add Audi Q7 into the mix of you prefer it.

I would not use EPA's leg room dimensions as accurate. Besides you can't directly compare FWD vs RWD.

Even if this is true I would point to a rear suspension design as feature which eats some of space at the rear. Independent rear suspension is very similar as one on WK2, it's different then on on-road biased Giulia and Stelvio.

I did not use EPA leg room. I used Hyundai and Ford (Explorer) 3rd row legroom.

Hyundai 31"
Ford 32"
Jeep 30"

I am not sure it is a big deal as this is not meant to haul adults in the third row anyway. But Jeep had the competition's specs as they were designing the GCL and did not want to go for class-leading. Perhaps, they did not want to get close to Wagoneer third row legroom as well.

 

[T_690]

The wheelbase sits at 121.7 inches, meaning the SUV has a total length of 204.9 inches.


It's huge.

 

[valiant67]

Yes, probably huge by European standards. But a common size by North American standards.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

The wheelbase sits at 121.7 inches, meaning the SUV has a total length of 204.9 inches.


It's huge.

Durango is 201.2 length on 119.8 wheelbase.

So, wheelbase and length grew the same over Durango.....about 3"