Test drive: Jeep Grand Cherokee L impresses on highways, drains fuel in the city

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L makes its presence known before it moves. At 5,220 millimetres long, 1,985 millimetres wide and 1,795 millimetres tall, the three-row SUV is 320 millimetres longer than the two-row Grand Cherokee. Its wheelbase exceeds three metres, and its 21-inch wheels match its imposing proportions.

The cabin offers generous space, especially with the second- and third-row seats folded. Luggage capacity rises from 487 litres with all seats in use to 1,328 litres with the third row folded and 2,390 litres with both rear rows down. The second row folds manually, while the third row folds electrically. The resulting space is broad enough for an adult to lie down without a completely flat conversion.

Brown Palermo natural leather covers the seats, dashboard and door trim. Diamond-pattern quilting gives the cabin a more luxurious feel than the stereotype of a rugged American vehicle might suggest. The driver gets a head-up display and a 10.25-inch instrument display, while the centre display measures 10.1 inches. A separate passenger screen and a 19-speaker McIntosh system add to the premium layout. Physical buttons remain for many functions, making them familiar to use but reinforcing the vehicle’s American character.

The 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine produces 286 horsepower and 35.1 kilogram-metres of torque. In Seoul’s Gangnam district, a 9-kilometre trip took 47 minutes and returned only 3.8 kilometres per litre, below the official combined rating of 7.7 kilometres per litre. The 87-litre fuel tank made the result feel especially punishing.

The highway brought a different experience. Over 161 kilometres and one hour 57 minutes at 80 to 100 kilometres per hour, fuel economy reached 13.1 kilometres per litre. The naturally aspirated engine responded directly, while the eight-speed automatic transmission shifted with little noticeable vibration or shock. Adaptive cruise control and active lane management supported the drive, and the air suspension lowered the vehicle at speed to reduce drag. It can also raise ground clearance by about 60 millimetres off-road.

The SUV’s size made tight parking manoeuvres difficult, although a 360-degree camera helped. A digital rear-view mirror can preserve visibility when passengers or luggage block the conventional view. The forward collision warning system applied the brakes several times when vehicles ahead changed lanes abruptly. The review describes the system as level-two autonomous driving, but says human reactions remain more dependable. The 2024 model, sold in Korea in a single Summit Reserve trim, costs 102.3 million won.