Discover the Stunning Interior of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is more than just another SUV. It’s a vehicle crafted for drivers seeking an exceptional balance between rugged power and refined interior comfort. While it stays true to the Jeep spirit with off-road readiness, the Laredo’s interior takes things up a notch with comfort and tech features designed to meet the demands of modern driving. Whether you’re cruising around town or on a road trip through rough terrain, this SUV delivers on both style and substance. So let’s dive deep into what makes the interior of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo unique while also being upfront about any drawbacks to keep things balanced.
Overview of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Interior
Step inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and you’ll find a well-thought-out cabin offering a blend of practical utility and modern-day sophistication. Jeep has carefully curated the materials and design to appeal to a wide range of drivers. The interior feels premium, even though the Laredo trim sits at the entry-level side of the Grand Cherokee lineup.
Materials and Design Quality
Jeep has done a good job mixing high-quality soft-touch surfaces with durable hard plastics throughout the cabin. The leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a layer of sophistication that drivers love to hold, making it easier to feel connected with the road. The seats are upholstered in either premium cloth or synthetic leather, both of which offer decent support on longer journeys.
According to Alex Collantes, a proud Grand Cherokee owner, “The Laredo feels like a luxury vehicle on the inside without that over-the-top price tag. Jeep really nailed it by focusing on the basics and delivering comfort where it counts.”
That being said, it’s worth pointing out that certain parts of the interior, such as the lower dashboard and door panels, still feature harder plastic. This may feel less premium compared to some of the competition like the Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-9, which both offer soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin.
Color and Trim Options
The 2021 Laredo’s interior comes in a few different color schemes. Jeep offers options like Black with Black accents, or Light Frost Beige with Black accents, which add subtle but elegant contrast. However, the limited range of color options may feel a bit uninspired for those who prefer more variety.
Interior Highlights at a Glance
- Steering Wheel: Leather-wrapped with multi-function controls
- Seats: Cloth or optional synthetic leather
- Soft-touch materials on key surfaces
- Standard dual-zone climate control
Seating and Comfort
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo seats up to five passengers, and comfort is one area where the Laredo doesn’t disappoint. The seats are well-padded and supportive, making them ideal for long rides. Front seats come with manual adjustability as standard, but higher packages offer power-adjustable seating with lumbar support.
Rear seat comfort is another highlight. Passengers will appreciate the ample legroom (36.3 inches), which makes it easier to stretch out even during longer trips. Still, the lack of a third-row option may be a deal-breaker for families that need seven seats. Some rivals in this segment, like the Ford Explorer, offer third-row seating, giving them an edge in terms of practicality.
- Pro: Comfortable seats with good cushioning
- Con: No option for third-row seating
Cargo Space and Storage Solutions
When it comes to cargo space, the Laredo is practical but doesn’t lead the segment. With the rear seats upright, the cargo area offers 36.3 cubic feet of storage—more than enough for groceries, luggage, or sports gear. Fold the rear seats flat, and you’ll get up to 68.3 cubic feet of space.
There are also plenty of clever storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a deep center console and large door pockets that are perfect for holding water bottles or snacks. But one drawback to note is that the loading floor sits a bit higher than competitors, which might make it harder to lift heavier items into the trunk.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo interior comes with a solid suite of infotainment features. Jeep's Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen is standard, and the 8.4-inch upgrade brings enhanced graphics and a smoother interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, which means you can easily connect your smartphone for hands-free calls, texts, and navigation.
According to Alex Collantes, “I really enjoy the Uconnect system because it's super easy to use and doesn’t distract me when I’m driving. I do wish the screen was a little more responsive, though. Sometimes it can lag when you’re switching between apps.”
Technology Pros and Cons
- Pro: Simple and intuitive Uconnect interface
- Pro: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard
- Con: Screen lag can be noticeable
Climate Control and Interior Lighting
The dual-zone climate control system helps maintain a comfortable cabin temperature for all passengers. Rear air vents are standard, ensuring that even passengers in the back remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Ambient interior lighting provides a soft glow at night, giving the cabin a more upscale feel.
- Pro: Rear air vents are standard
- Con: No tri-zone climate control option
Sound System and Acoustics
The standard 6-speaker audio system in the Laredo delivers decent sound quality for casual listening. However, audiophiles might want to upgrade to the available 9-speaker premium sound system with a subwoofer, which delivers richer bass and a more immersive experience. Unfortunately, these premium audio options aren’t available on the base model, so drivers will need to step up to a higher trim or package if they want enhanced sound.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety is a priority for Jeep, and the Laredo doesn’t skimp on essential features. The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo comes with:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- ParkSense rear park assist system
- Lane departure warning
While these driver aids make daily commutes safer, advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist are reserved for higher trims. This means that buyers looking for the latest tech may have to pay extra for features that are becoming standard in many rival SUVs.
Key Safety Takeaways
- Pro: Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard
- Con: Adaptive cruise control only available on higher trims
Potential Drawbacks of the Interior
While the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo interior delivers on many fronts, there are still a few areas that could be improved:
- Limited color choices: Some competitors offer a wider range of interior color palettes
- Plastic materials: Certain areas of the cabin feel cheaper compared to rivals
- No third-row seating: Families may need to look elsewhere for seven-passenger SUVs
- High cargo floor: Lifting heavier items into the trunk may be challenging
- Lagging infotainment system: Occasional delays when navigating through the touchscreen
Final Thoughts
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo interior is well-suited for those who prioritize comfort, practicality, and a user-friendly tech experience. It offers a great blend of premium features and rugged versatility, making it a solid choice for individuals and families alike. While it has a few shortcomings—such as the absence of third-row seating and some cheaper cabin materials—these issues are easily outweighed by the SUV’s overall value.
Alex Collantes sums it up perfectly: “The Grand Cherokee Laredo is the perfect SUV for me. It’s got enough tech to keep things modern without going overboard, and the comfort is just what I was looking for. Plus, it still feels like a real Jeep on the road.”
If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that offers both capability and comfort without breaking the bank, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is definitely worth considering.