Test-Driving The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit 4X4

Forbes Lifestyle Cars & Bikes Test-Driving The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit 4X4 Josh Max Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I’m a New Yorker who grew up next to a garage, and became obsessed. Following Oct 14, 2023, 11:25am EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The 2023 Grand Cherokee is a splendid family vehicle, easily capable of hauling a crew on a weekend getaway or handing a longer road trip in comfort and style.

It is more expensive than rivals in its class, though, and my V-6 engine trim was strictly functional, not ferocious. Let’s check it out. 2023 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve Jeep It’s mostly a carryover from last year save for the Overland and Limited models now coming standard with an in-dash nav system, and various sound system options.

2023 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve Jeep Looks It’s big and heavy but not gargantuan. Its looks are unassuming but that might be the point here – capability without ostentatiousness. It’s boxy in the traditional Jeep way, with a large panoramic roof, integrated turning signals.

The skinny LED rear lights look sharp and the Summit badge is the only hint that the driver of this vehicle has chosen a high-end trim. 2023 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve Jeep Inside It’s a cool, comfortable, spacious cabin, loaded with up-to-date features and beautiful diamond stitching, massaging seats, genuine walnut wood trim and a good sized, three-spoke steering wheel. The Palermo leather used on the seats is attractive and supple.

Visibility is satisfactory. Every Grand Cherokee L model arrives with a third row of seats and two captain’s chairs come standard. It seats 6, or 7 if you aren’t transporting large humans.

MORE FOR YOU Electric Cars With The Richest Cash Rebates For October Here s What It Costs To Own A New Car In 2023 Test Driving The 2024 Lexus TX A Luxury SUV With Room For The Entire Family Engine and Performance The three-row Grand Cherokee L is available with either a 290-hp V-6 or a 357-hp V-8 and either rear- or all-wheel drive, and both engines arrive with an eight-speed automatic. My tester housed the V6, which was rather tepid – 0-60 MPH arrived in 8-ish seconds. It’s very smooth, though, and you’ve got three all-wheel-drive systems to choose from.

Braking is strong and sure, and handling is adequate. Again, this is a family vehicle, not something you get when you win Powerball, and there’s nothing wrong with that. For more juice and towing ability, naturally, go for the V8.

2023 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve Jeep My off-roading was quick and no-nonsense, and loads of fun. I just found a terrible, almost-verticle “road”, put the vehicle into 4WD and tore up the mountain, bouncing and shuddering and eating up the boulders and uneven terrain sweet-as-you-please, then bounced back down again in equal haste. I may have left the ground a couple of times.

The kids’ll love it. Mileage is a predictably low 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. If you opt for AWD, that’ll drop your mileage by another 1 MPH.

Price My tester started at $65,710 and, with all options, topped out at $73,515. Summit options include a power-operated rear liftgate, automatic high-beam headlamps, remote start, interior ambient lighting, driver memory settings, leather upholstery, and heated second-row seats. 2023 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve Jeep Tech You get a 10.

1-inch infotainment touchscreen offering SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The system was colorful and attractive, and I loved that you could get a view of your front end as well as the back, the better to center yourself between the yellow lines in parking lots. You can also upgrade to either a nine-speaker Alpine audio system or a more lush 19-speaker McIntosh, as well as upgrading to a 10.

3 inch system if you wish. Two optional 10. 1-inch screens will come mounted on the backs of your front seats.

The seats of the Cherokee fold down to make room for your bike, set of drums, lumber or camping . . .

[+] equipmment. jeep Safety In a refreshing switch from Grand Cherokees of old, we now see a lot of driver-assistance tech as standard such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and more. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage All Grand Cherokees come with three years of free maintenance.

A Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, and three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is included The 2023 Grand Cherokee’s pluses outweigh its minuses. If you can look past the inflated price tag when compared with others in its class, it might be your ride. Follow me on LinkedIn .

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