The Jeep line-up is not as large as it once was, with the Renegade, Wrangler, Gladiator and Jeep Grand Cherokee L making up the American brand's local offering. The latter is Jeep's flagship product, showcasing what the brand has to offer from an in-car tech perspective.
The Grand Cherokee L range is powered by a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 210kW and 344Nm of torque which is sent through all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. All models also get the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip-differential. These off-road systems work with the Selec-Terrain system that allows users to choose between five driving models namely Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud/Sand.
There are three models in the current range, with a R395 000 price gap separating the base and flagship derivatives. We are going to determine which derivative is the best within this new model range.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 4x4 Limited R1 329 900*
The base model Grand Cherokee L features 18-inch alloy wheels, a multifunction steering wheel, USB ports(4 in front, 4 rear and 4 third row), tyre pressure monitor, climate control, keyless entry/start, a dual panoramic roof, 7 seats, heated/ventilated electrically controlled leather seats, LED headlights, ambient lighting, a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and smartphone integration, a 10.25-inch digitised instrument cluster and an electrically operated tailgate.
The base model benefits from a host of safety items including lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, 8 airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, front rear PDC with a reverse and surround-view camera as well as ABS with EBA and stability control.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 4x4 Overland- R1 529 900*
Moving up to the Overland model the electrically operated tailgate has a hands-free function while there is also a McIntosh audio system with a 17-channel amplifier, 19 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer for output of 950 watts. The Overland also gets a 10.25-inch infotainment system for the passengers, a first for this segment. There is also an air suspension system, which drastically improves the product's ground clearance from 215mm to 276mm while approach, break-over and departure angles are also better than in the Limited version.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 4x4 Summit Reserve- R1 724 900*
Moving up to the flagship Summit and there are walnut wood finishes inside, silver and black roof rails as well as a Night Vision Camera with pedestrian and animal detection. The Summit Reserve also gets just 6 seats instead of 7, however, the emphasis in this model is to provide more individual luxury for each occupant.
So which one is the best?
When looking at the Grand Cherokee L range, the base model is compromised from an off-road perspective, making the mid-level Overland, in our opinion, the best of the three models, striking a value-to-capability balance.
* Prices include all taxes and were accurate at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
