The much-awaited Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which stands for an enlarged platform with a three-row seating arrangement, has arrived in Zimbabwe courtesy of Zimoco. The fifth-generation newcomer includes better 4x4 capabilities, three rows of seating, a variety of modern innovations and safety systems, and the dependable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine from the manufacturer.
Design
The Grand Wagoneer, the company's first full-size luxury SUV, served as the design cue for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee's attention-grabbing exterior. The 2018 Grand Cherokee L's exterior features include Jeep's recognizable forward-tipped grille, which is flanked by ultra-slim headlights with distinctive trademark lighting set within Gloss Black bezels. All Jeep Grand Cherokee trim levels also come standard with a full complement of LED lighting.
Similar to its front design, the 2018 Grand Cherokee L's side profile is sharp and defined and, for the first time, has 21-inch wheels. The lighting story is finished at the back by ultra-slim tail lamps with distinctive lighted signatures. Additional features on the Summit Reserve include puddle lighting that is projected from the rear-view mirror and approach-lit door knobs.
The L model's wheelbase measures 121.7 inches, resulting in a 204.9-inch total length. The contemporary two-row Grand Cherokee, in contrast, has a wheelbase of 114.8 inches and a total length of 189.8 inches.
Technology and interior design
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's interior features a completely redesigned center cluster and digital cluster, a multifunction steering wheel, appealing leather finishes, and additional high-quality trim pieces made of metal and wood. The front bucket seats in the Grand Cherokee L are heated, power-adjustable, and include a massaging function with five programmable configurations.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes equipped with the most modern and cutting-edge Uconnect system yet, with a 10.1-inch display and simple operation. According to claims, the new Uconnect 5 offers operating speeds that are five times faster than those of the previous version. Uconnect 5 offers flexibility that will allow the system to continue expand to offer new content, features, and services thanks to the Android operating system and over-the-air (OTA) upgrades. For unparalleled usability, the Uconnect 5 system delivers more connected capabilities and services. The system highlights include, for example, a full-color Head-up Display (HUD), a 4-inch or 10.1-inch digital touchscreen, five user profiles plus a valet mode, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4-inch or 10.1-inch digital touchscreen, and a fully customized home screen.
The Grand Cherokee L now has a total available digital screen area of more than 30 inches thanks to the integration of new front and rear interactive displays. A frameless 10.25-inch front passenger screen with navigation, camera viewing, and visual entertainment is one of the new features for the 2022 model year. The front-seat passenger may readily view the content of the rear displays and control their start, stop, and pause.

The Grand Cherokee L features an entirely new Jeep seating architecture with a length-adjustable cushion for the front row in the Summit Reserve, a first for Stellantis. First-row seating in the Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve derivative has 16-way power adjustable position with memory, lumbar support, and seat back massage with five programmable profiles and three levels of pressure intensity as standard features. The Grand Cherokee L has larger second-row door apertures than prior iterations for easier vehicle access. With an outside side step for access and exit, they open 64 degrees.
The Grand Cherokee L provides more rear baggage space (1,328 liters) behind the second row. A 50/50 split third-row seat is available, and it is simply folded from the back of the car. The second and third rows of seats can be folded forward to create a flat loading surface for even greater convenience. The maximum load capacity is 2,396 liters when the second and third rows of seats are folded flat.
A McIntosh audio sound system is first offered in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and is standard in the Overland and Summit Reserve trim levels. The cutting-edge, high-performance music system has 19 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer, and a 17-channel amplifier with a maximum output of 950 watts to engulf the passengers in high-definition sound.
Safety Features
More than 110 safety and security features, including cutting-edge technological applications intended to improve the relationship between the driver, vehicle, and road, are available in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L. These include Rear Cross Path detection, Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, Night Vision Camera with Pedestrian and Animal Detection (*Summit Reserve), Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Active Lane Management, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Advanced BAS, and LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist.
Performance
The trusted 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine made entirely of aluminum by the carmaker and equipped with engine start-stop (ESS) technology powers the new Grand Cherokee L. The engine produces 344 Nm of torque and 210 kW of power.
Three 4x4 systems—Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited slip differential—provide the legendary off-road prowess (eLSD). Each of the three systems has an active transfer case that shifts torque to the wheel with the best grip in order to increase traction. Customers can select the on- and off-road settings for the Grand Cherokee L's industry-leading Selec-Terrain traction control system using five selectable terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand) to deliver best calibrations for every given driving environment.
In addition to the three 4x4 systems, the Grand Cherokee L boasts a class-exclusive Quadra-Lift Air Suspension with electronic variable damping for the first time in the model's history. With a best-in-class ground clearance of 277mm, the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension also automatically adjusts height based on road conditions and speed to lessen drag and improve fuel efficiency.
The Judgement
Simple: With product availability and a robust marketing strategy, Jeep will claw back its lost market share and regain lost sales. Gone are the days when Jeep was the go to top government official vehicle. When Jeep took a lull the market sampled other products such as Ford Everest, Toyota Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser, Range Rover. In some cases, product trial led to conversion of the heart and mind.