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2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review – Family Luxury Meets Off-Road Grit

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2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review – Family Luxury Meets Off-Road Grit

When you think of Jeep, images of rugged trails and mud-splattered adventures likely come to mind. But in 2025, Jeep has evolved—particularly with the Grand Cherokee L. This three-row SUV doesn’t just tackle the wild; it pampers its passengers along the way. The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a rare breed, delivering off-road chops wrapped in upscale refinement that makes it suitable for families, executives, and outdoor lovers alike.

So how does this latest iteration stack up in Australia’s competitive SUV market? Let’s dive into its design, performance, tech, off-road capabilities, and whether it justifies its premium price tag.

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Design and Presence – Rugged Meets Refined

Exterior Styling

Jeep has refined the Grand Cherokee L’s styling for 2025. It keeps its signature seven-slot grille but adds sharper LED lighting and a more streamlined silhouette. With a longer body to accommodate the third row, the Grand Cherokee L commands attention on Aussie roads and tracks alike.

Key exterior highlights:

  • New adaptive LED headlights with auto-levelling
  • Redesigned front bumper and larger lower grille
  • 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels (trim-dependent)
  • Hands-free power tailgate
  • Increased ground clearance with Quadra-Lift Air Suspension (on Overland & Summit trims)

Whether you’re pulling up at a city restaurant or pitching camp near Uluru, the Grand Cherokee L blends rugged DNA with premium appeal.

Interior Luxury

The cabin of the 2025 Grand Cherokee L rivals German rivals for quality. All variants, from Night Eagle to the flagship Summit Reserve, feature high-quality materials, spacious seating, and tech-rich appointments.

Interior highlights:

  • 10.25-inch digital driver display
  • 10.1-inch central touchscreen with Uconnect 5
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Real wood trim (Summit Reserve)
  • Quilted leather seats (Overland and Summit trims)
  • Ambient LED lighting and massaging front seats (Summit Reserve)
  • 7-seat configuration with easy access to the third row

It’s a vehicle that feels just as at home in Toorak as it does on the Gibb River Road.


Powertrains and Performance – Muscle in Motion

Engine Options in Australia

The Australian-spec 2025 Grand Cherokee L offers one main engine: the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol, producing 210kW and 344Nm of torque. While the US market offers a V8 and plug-in hybrid (4xe), Australia gets a simpler lineup for now.

Transmission & Drivetrain

The V6 is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth power to all four wheels via Jeep’s Quadra-Trac I or Quadra-Trac II 4x4 systems (depending on trim).

Driving Modes:

  • Auto
  • Sport
  • Snow
  • Mud/Sand
  • Rock (available with Quadra-Drive II)

On-Road Performance

Despite its off-road focus, the Grand Cherokee L is surprisingly refined on sealed roads. The air suspension adapts to road conditions and reduces body roll. Acceleration is brisk for a large SUV, although some may miss a turbocharged or hybrid alternative for extra punch and efficiency.

Fuel consumption: Approx. 10.6L/100km (combined)
0–100 km/h time: ~8.5 seconds (V6 petrol)


Off-Road Capability – The Real Jeep DNA

What truly sets the Grand Cherokee L apart from other family SUVs is its genuine 4x4 capability. Even the base Night Eagle can handle moderate trails, while Overland and Summit Reserve trims are trail-rated for serious bush bashing.

Off-Road Features:

  • Quadra-Lift Air Suspension: Adjust ride height from 212mm to 276mm
  • Selec-Terrain System: Adjusts throttle, suspension, and transmission for terrain
  • Quadra-Drive II (Summit Reserve): Active rear electronic limited-slip differential
  • Approach/Departure Angles: Up to 30.1° / 23.6° (adjustable)

From rocky inclines to water crossings (up to 610mm), the Grand Cherokee L can do what few other 7-seaters dare to try.


Interior Comfort and Space – Built for Families

With three rows of seating, the 2025 Grand Cherokee L is built with large families in mind.

Seating and Practicality

  • 7-seat layout with 2+3+2 configuration
  • Power-folding third row (higher trims)
  • Heated/ventilated seats front and second row
  • Tri-zone climate control
  • Panoramic sunroof (optional on Limited, standard on Summit)

Boot space:

  • 487L with all seats up
  • 1,328L with third row down
  • 2,396L with second and third rows down

Infotainment & Connectivity

Jeep’s Uconnect 5 is one of the best in the business:

  • Fast, user-friendly interface
  • Split-screen support
  • Alexa voice assistant
  • USB-C ports in all rows
  • 950-watt McIntosh audio system (Summit Reserve only)

Safety and Driver Assistance – Top-Tier Standards

Jeep has loaded the 2025 Grand Cherokee L with safety features to rival the best in class. It’s built on a strong monocoque chassis with advanced crash protection.

Standard safety features include:

  • Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
  • Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning
  • Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Driver drowsiness detection

ANCAP Rating (Expected): 5 stars (based on platform)


Trim Levels & Pricing in Australia (2025)

Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee L in several trims. Approximate drive-away pricing in AUD:

TrimKey FeaturesPrice (Drive-Away)
Night Eagle4x4, LED lights, 10.1" screen, cloth seats~$82,000
LimitedLeather trim, heated seats, power tailgate, 4x4~$90,000
OverlandQuadra-Lift, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, 20" wheels~$100,000
Summit ReserveQuilted leather, massaging seats, McIntosh audio, Quadra-Drive II~$115,000

While not cheap, the value proposition becomes clear when you consider its capability, luxury, and practicality.


How It Compares – Rivals to Consider

Rival SUVProsCons
Toyota PradoRugged, reliable, off-road provenInterior tech lags behind Jeep
Kia EV9 (electric)EV running costs, futuristic designLess off-road capable
Mazda CX-90Classy cabin, strong inline-six engineLess off-road focused
Ford EverestStrong towing, dual-range 4WDNot as refined inside

The Grand Cherokee L is the only one that truly blends all-road adventure with first-class comfort in a 7-seat layout.


Ownership & Running Costs

Warranty & Servicing

  • Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km
  • Capped Price Servicing: Available through Jeep Australia
  • Roadside Assistance: 5 years

Jeep has significantly improved its aftersales support, which was once a sore point in Australia.

Fuel Economy

With a V6 petrol, expect around 10.6L/100km in mixed driving. It’s not the most efficient, but manageable considering its size and capability.

Insurance & Depreciation

As a premium SUV, insurance premiums are mid-to-high tier. Resale is improving due to Jeep’s better quality control and brand perception.


Should You Buy the 2025 Grand Cherokee L in Australia?

If you want an SUV that can handle everything from school drop-offs to remote trail adventures—while keeping your family cocooned in luxury—the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a compelling choice.

Buy it if you want:

  • Genuine 4x4 ability with family-friendly practicality
  • Rich interior materials and advanced tech
  • Strong presence and American appeal

🚫 Skip it if you:

  • Prefer a diesel or hybrid powertrain
  • Want a more affordable 7-seater
  • Rarely go off-road and need only urban practicality
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Verdict – American Muscle Meets Aussie Adventure

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is more than just a luxury SUV. It’s an all-rounder for Australians who want to explore the Outback in comfort or cruise the coast with confidence. While it’s not cheap and lacks a hybrid option, the balance of ruggedness, luxury, and practicality makes it one of the most well-rounded 4x4 family SUVs in Australia today.

Ruby McKenzie

Ruby McKenzie

Ruby McKenzie is a dynamic content writer from Brisbane with a background in journalism and public relations. She thrives on transforming complex ideas into relatable content across tech, travel, and culture niches.

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