The last few years, Jeep has come out with some pretty cool new vehicles. They’ve brought back the Jeep Gladiator, they’ve introduced the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. There has been a demand for more trucks that are smaller as well as vehicles with 3rd row seating; and Jeep has listened. But many people wonder: what is the difference between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L? Surely it can’t be just that one letter. While one has that extra letter, the other has been around for literal decades. While we love what the Grand Cherokee L has brought to the forefront, the Grand Cherokee OG has been a staple for many years, and for a good reason. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has earned the most awards during its lifetime out of any SUV, which is amazing in itself.
Jeep Grand Cherokee inside
Jeep Grand Cherokee L inside
The first area of difference is the size, particularly the interior. Just looking at a side-by-side picture, you can tell that the Grand Cherokee L is bigger from the outside and it also is on the inside. The original Jeep Grand Cherokee has two rows of seating for 5 and the Grand Cherokee L comes in as a three row with seats for 6-7. The Grand Cherokee L is also the first three-row Jeep vehicle. Along with extra room in the front on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L model, the second-row passengers will find more headroom on the Grand Cherokee L and more legroom as well.
While the trunk size of a Grand Cherokee is technically larger than the Grand Cherokee L, folding down the third-row seats expands it more, adding that extra much needed space if the back seats are not in use.
Engine choices for the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L are nearly identical. Both come with a standard 3.6-liter, V-6 engine and have an available 5.7-liter, V-8 engine. Power is a little different, though. For the Grand Cherokee L, the 3.6-liter V-6 makes 290 horsepower, while in the Grand Cherokee, it makes 293 horsepower. Likewise, the 5.7-liter, V-8 makes 357 horsepower in the Grand Cherokee L, and 360 horsepower in the Grand Cherokee.
Both SUVs offer 4x4 options, and both can tow up to 7,200 pounds.
Fuel efficiency for the Grand Cherokee L is not much different from the original Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee does eventually have a hybrid option coming soon while the Grand Cherokee L does not.
Also, the Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L off-road performance is pretty much the same. Both are available with the advanced Quadra-Lift Suspension system and 4x4 systems push both through the worst terrain, as well as Selec-Terrain, that optimizes them both to great effect.
The Grand Cherokee offers a sway bar disconnect feature for your off-road excursions while the Grand Cherokee L does not. For Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L performance levels, the Grand Cherokee offers slightly enhanced virtues in comparison.
The simple answer to Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L is basically broken down into preference for the driver. Both have a lot in common with their design and features and both carry the classic Jeep name, which doesn’t get slapped on any car. Probably the biggest point of differentiation is the third row and increased capacities that the Grand Cherokee L has.
You cannot go wrong with a Jeep. Whether it be a Grand Cherokee, a Grand Cherokee L, Grand Wagoneer, Renegade, Compass, Wrangler, or any of the many models that Jeep offers.
We always have a vast selection of new and used inventory on our lot for anyone looking for any type of Jeep, so head over today to Schmit Bros Jeep where we can get you into the Jeep you’re looking for! We are located at 905 E Green Bay Ave in Saukville, Wisconsin.