
If you want to bring your family on unforgettable adventures with confidence, comparing Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee L specs, spaciousness, and off-road capabilities can be a huge help. The two-row Grand Cherokee is a capable off-roading machine with impressive available ground clearance and approach angle specs, but more than anything, it's an elegant and modern family companion. Its extended-wheelbase sibling, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, is a three-row SUV that makes even more room for memories.
We at South Shore CDJR know these high-quality models are perfect for your daily commute and weekend excursions. Let's explore how they compare.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee L at a Glance
- Both elegant Jeep models share a potent 3.6-liter Pentastar engine.
- The two-row Grand Cherokee is slightly more fuel-efficient.
- The Grand Cherokee L boasts a longer wheelbase and more passenger volume, but the third row of seating shrinks the standard cargo space.
- The smaller Grand Cherokee is the less expensive model across all available trims.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L Specs
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 standard in each SUV provides exceptional power, with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque roaring through an eight-speed automatic transmission across both lineups.
Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L Engines, by the Numbers
| 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L | Starting Price, Base | $36,495 MSRP1 | $39,035 MSRP1 |
Engine | 3.6L V-6 | 3.6L V-6 |
Horsepower | 293 | 293 |
Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 19 / 26 / 222 | 19 / 26 / 213 |
Towing Capacity | 6,200 lbs4 | 6,200 lbs4 |
These matching powertrains allow both models to have smooth, consistent cruising speeds and the torque to make controlled ascents and descents. Performance features, like standard Hill Start Assist, make stopping and starting simple, even on more difficult terrain and hilly environments. These SUVs work hard to give all non-hybrid models a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds.4 All nine trim levels in our 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee inventory use this engine, as do all eight levels of the Grand Cherokee L.
If you're looking for a more fuel-efficient SUV, check out our eco-friendly 4xe lineup, which employs a smaller engine paired with a plug-in hybrid battery-and-motor system.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L Fuel Economy
Because of the larger size of the Jeep Cherokee L, it comes with slightly lower MPG. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has an EPA-estimated rating of 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 while the Grand Cherokee L has 19/26/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3 Considering that Grand Cherokee L is a larger, three-row vehicle, these competitive ratings are very impressive.
Step into an AWD model, and the difference is more noticeable. The Cherokee actually keeps the exact same MPG ratings with its 4x4 powertrain, at 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 The Grand Cherokee L loses a tiny bit of efficiency at 18/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),5 which is still very close to the two-row model.
Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L Dimensions & Features, Explained
As mentioned earlier, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the smaller option, with two rows instead of three. Let's see how their dimensions match up.

Seats: | 5 |
---|
Length: | 193.5 in |
---|
Width | 84.6 in |
---|
1st row headroom: | 39.9 in |
---|
2nd row headroom: | 39.4 in |
---|
3rd row headroom: | N/A |
---|
1st row legroom: | 41.3 in |
---|
2nd row legroom: | 38.2 in |
---|
3rd row legroom: | N/A |
---|
Passenger volume: | 145 cu ft |
---|
Fuel tank size: | 23 gal |
---|
Ground clearance: | up to 10.9 in |
---|
Approach angle: | Up to 35.7 degrees |
---|
Standard / max cargo capacity: | 37.7 / 70.8 cu. ft. |
---|
Interior benefits: | - U-Connect System with 8.4-inch display (10.1-in available)
- 2 LCD monitors
- 6-speaker sound system (9- and 19-speaker systems available)
- Voice Command System
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Available GPS with navigation
- 10.25-in digital driver information display
- Rear seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV®
|
---|

Seats: | 7 |
---|
Length: | 204.9 in |
---|
Width | 84.6 in |
---|
1st row headroom: | 39.8 in |
---|
2nd row headroom: | 39.9 in |
---|
3rd row headroom: | 37.3 |
---|
1st row legroom: | 41.3 in |
---|
2nd row legroom: | 39.4 in |
---|
3rd row legroom: | 30.3 |
---|
Passenger volume: | 152 cu ft |
---|
Fuel tank size: | 23 gal |
---|
Ground clearance: | up to 10.9 in |
---|
Approach angle: | Up to 30.1 degrees |
---|
Standard / max cargo capacity: | 17.2 / 84.6 cu. ft. |
---|
Interior benefits: | - 10.25-in front-passenger front screen display (Available)
- U-Connect System with 8.4-inch display (10.1-in available)
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Voice Command System
- GPS with navigation (Available)
- Available heated, ventilated, massaging seats
- 10.25-in digital driver information display
- Rear-seat monitoring camera
|
---|
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee L for sale extends the chassis of the two-row SUV by 11.4 inches, sliding the extra row into that additional room. You might expect the Grand Cherokee to have less legroom as a result, but the three-row variant shares almost the exact same front-row spaciousness – though it does offer 1.2 inches of additional second-row legroom. The larger SUV can also store more up to the front row, with a potential 84.6 cubic feet of total cargo space if all seats are folded. However, its trunk area is smaller, at 17.2 cubic feet vs. 37.7 cubic feet in the two-row model, and the overall passenger space is quite close, with the two-row SUV only losing 7 cubic feet.

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee L Interior
No matter the cabin you decide to stretch out in, you'll enjoy comfort and convenience. Both models begin with easy-to-clean cloth and upgrade through luxurious leatherette, Nappa leather, and Palermo leather upholstery. They also feature fantastic screen coverage, from the standard 10.25-inch digital driver information display to multiple available LCD displays that can simultaneously entertain the rear and front-row passengers.
Connectivity is exceptional, thanks to the Uconnect 5 multimedia system. Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ give you full control of your playlist, while a SiriusXM® trial lets you listen to dozens of additional channels. Higher-level trim drivers get to relax into heated, ventilated, and massaging seats while using a Head-Up Display and 360-Degree Camera to stay mindful of the road.
You can see in our Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer matchup just how state-of-the-art the features of the Grand Cherokee L are compared to its rivals.
Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L Price
The price for these features varies based on the size of the variant and add-ons you choose to install. The Grand Cherokee starts at $36,495 and can grow to $63,040 by the final Summit Reserve trim. 1Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee L skips the base Laredo A to start at the Laredo, so your MSRP for the three-row option begins at $39,035 and ends at $65,040 for the Summit Reserve.1
Discover the Difference Between Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L Models at South Shore CDJR
Now that you have a picture of how the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee L comparison shows off these models' incredible driving capability and interior comforts, it's time to experience your favorite. Visit our storeroom and see how either SUV impresses with rear-seat entertainment options, a wide variety of upholstery selections, and exceptional ground clearance that lets you tackle the outdoors when the mood strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference in off-road capability between the two models?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a slightly better off-roader, though the Grand Cherokee L is very competent. Both can come with 10.9 inches of ground clearance, Terrain Management Systems that help you maintain traction, and Surround View Cameras that provide an eye to catch dangerous obstacles. You'll get the best approach angles from the Overland model on the Grand Cherokee L and the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe.
Are there differences in fuel economy between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee L models?
These two models have very slight differences in fuel economy. For instance, both the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L boast a 19/26 MPG (City/Highway) rating from the EPA. 2, 3 However, the Grand Cherokee L has one lower combined rating, at 21 MPG (Combined). 3 The situation is similar for the 4x4 models, with the Grand Cherokee boasting more eco-friendly ratings.2, 5
What are the primary differences in seating capacity between the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L?
The Grand Cherokee is a two-row SUV, while the Grand Cherokee L adds a few inches of length and a third row. That lets the Grand Cherokee L seat up to seven passengers, while the Grand Cherokee can only seat five. The Grand Cherokee L also boasts slightly better second-row legroom, making it the better option for growing families who bring along seven passengers consistently.