Top 5 Reasons the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X Is a Surprisingly Smart Buy

When it comes to SUVs, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is one of those models that makes you think twice—mostly because you didn’t know an SUV could blend ruggedness and luxury so seamlessly. Whether you're the weekend adventurer or the city commuter who occasionally likes to feel tough, this vehicle will check more boxes than your last grocery list. But let's dive into what makes this version of the Grand Cherokee worth your attention.

Performance That Makes Your Morning Coffee Redundant

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X packs a punch that’ll make you forget you ever considered those soft crossover SUVs. With its 3.6-liter V6 engine, this beast pushes out 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Sure, that’s not going to make you king of the road, but it's certainly enough to feel the satisfying rumble when you push the pedal. Plus, it has an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts so smoothly, you’d think it was butter. Well, if butter could drive you to work.

Acceleration: Not Ferrari Fast, But Quick Enough to Impress the Kids

Look, it's not a sports car, and you won't be breaking any speed records, but it’s got solid acceleration. Going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds is enough to get you ahead of most traffic when the light turns green. You can almost feel like Vin Diesel at that moment—without having to worry about street racing tickets or a chase scene.

Handling: Like Dancing in Hiking Boots

You might think handling in an SUV of this size would be like dancing in hiking boots, clunky and awkward. But the Laredo X surprises with responsive steering. It’s no sports car, but for a vehicle this size, it maneuvers well through city streets and tight parking lots. Is it as nimble as a ballet dancer? Nope. But let’s face it—if you wanted something that moves like that, you’d be shopping in a totally different section of the car lot.

Interior Comfort: It’s Like Driving Around in Your Living Room

One of the best things about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is the interior. The second you sit in the driver’s seat, you’ll understand why Jeep fans are so loyal. The Laredo X offers leather-trimmed seats, which not only feel luxurious but are also super comfortable. They’re supportive enough for long road trips, yet cozy enough for your daily commute.

Roomy: Even for Your Friend Who Packs Like He’s Moving Every Time

Inside, the Laredo X boasts 105.4 cubic feet of passenger volume. Translation? Your family, friends, and even that one friend who insists on bringing half their house when you go on a weekend trip will have plenty of room. The 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats isn’t enormous, but fold those seats down, and you get a whopping 68.3 cubic feet, which is more than enough for groceries, luggage, or a spontaneous IKEA trip.

Tech Features: Because Who Doesn’t Want a Virtual Co-Pilot?

Jeep isn't lagging in the tech department either. The 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard in the Laredo X, and you’ll get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even a built-in navigation system. So, if you ever get lost—which, let’s be real, will probably happen—you’ll be fine. The system is intuitive and won’t make you feel like you're programming a spaceship. Also, you can crank up the tunes with the 6-speaker audio system, which offers good sound quality—though audiophiles might want to spring for the upgraded sound system.

Safety: It’s Like Having Your Mom in the Passenger Seat

When it comes to safety, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X doesn’t mess around. You’ve got blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors as standard. It’s like having a mom who doesn’t nag but just quietly reminds you when you're about to do something dumb. There’s also adaptive cruise control if you're into that whole "letting the car do part of the driving" thing.

Potential Safety Drawbacks: What’s Missing?

However, automatic emergency braking isn't standard, which feels like an odd omission in 2021. Jeep, buddy, let’s talk. You give us all this cool tech but no automatic emergency braking? It’s like offering Wi-Fi but no password—it just feels incomplete.

Fuel Economy: Not Great, Not Terrible

The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. It's not going to win any environmental awards, but considering its size and power, it’s actually fairly reasonable. Plus, it has a 24.6-gallon fuel tank, so you won’t be stopping at the pump too often.

MPG Reality Check: Maybe Don’t Tell Your Eco-Friendly Friends

Let’s face it: 19 mpg city isn't stellar. You might get a few dirty looks from your eco-conscious friends, but just remind them you're driving a Jeep—not a Prius. You knew what you were signing up for when you picked power over planet. Just try not to be the person who parks next to a Tesla at Whole Foods.

Exterior Design: Ruggedly Handsome, Like a Wilderness Model

If James Bond ever decided to go on a camping trip, he’d drive something like the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X. It’s a good-looking SUV, with that classic Jeep grille and muscular stance. The Laredo X comes with 18-inch wheels, which aren’t the flashiest, but they get the job done. You also get deep-tinted glass and roof rails, which make it look like you're about to embark on some epic outdoor adventure—even if you're just driving to Costco.

Color Options: Because Everyone Has an Opinion

It comes in Diamond Black Crystal, Velvet Red, Billet Silver, and a handful of other options. Look, everyone’s going to tell you what color you should get, but in the end, it’s your SUV. Just avoid the beige. Trust me, that’s a decision you’ll regret.

Off-Road Capability: It’s a Jeep Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand

Let’s not forget: this is still a Jeep, and with that comes some off-road cred. The 2021 Laredo X has rear-wheel drive as standard, but you can opt for four-wheel drive if you plan to hit the trails. While the Laredo X isn’t as off-road-ready as the Trailhawk, it still holds its own on rough terrain. You’ve got Jeep’s Quadra-Trac I 4WD system, which is great for moderate off-roading and nasty weather.

Off-Road Drawbacks: It’ll Get Dirty—Fast

Here’s a reality check: you’re going to get this thing dirty. Mud, dust, who knows what else—you’ll find it on your Jeep. And unless you’re one of those people who enjoys hosing down your SUV every weekend, you’re going to have to live with the fact that your Laredo X won’t look showroom shiny for long. But hey, dirt is just nature’s paint job, right?

Pricing and Trims: How Much Is This Going to Set You Back?

So, how much for all this goodness? The starting price for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is around $39,000. That’s not exactly pocket change, but considering what you’re getting—a well-rounded SUV that can tackle just about anything—it’s pretty reasonable. Plus, Jeep holds its value better than a lot of competitors, which makes this more of an investment than just a purchase.

Trim Options: Laredo vs. Laredo X

Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee in multiple trims, but the Laredo X gives you that sweet spot between price and features. You get some of the luxury touches of the higher trims (leather seats, bigger touchscreen) without the eye-watering price of something like the Overland or Summit.

Potential Drawbacks: A Dash of Humor

Okay, no vehicle is perfect, and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is no exception. Here are a few minor issues you might run into:

1. Fuel Economy: As mentioned before, it’s not winning any green awards. If you're thinking about saving the planet, maybe just recycle a little harder to balance out the gas mileage.

2. No Third Row: If you’ve got more than five people to haul around, someone’s sitting on someone’s lap. Or, you’re taking two cars.

3. It’s a Jeep: That’s not a bad thing, but owning a Jeep comes with certain expectations. People will expect you to go camping or off-roading. Even if you just drive it to the mall.

Alex Collantes' Take: A Personal Opinion

Automotive enthusiast Alex Collantes weighed in on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X, saying, "It’s not the fanciest SUV on the market, but it's reliable and rugged enough for everyday adventures. I’d call it the 'Swiss Army knife' of mid-size SUVs—it does a little bit of everything." He also pointed out, "Sure, the MPG isn’t amazing, but if you’re buying a Jeep for fuel economy, you’re doing it wrong."

Final Verdict: Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X Right for You?

If you’re looking for a mid-size SUV that can handle a wide variety of tasks—from city driving to light off-roading—the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X should be on your shortlist. It’s powerful enough for most drivers, offers a comfortable and tech-forward interior, and has that rugged Jeep charm that so many people love.

It’s not the flashiest SUV out there and it’s got a few quirks, but if you want something reliable versatile and not afraid to get a little dirty this Jeep might be your perfect match.

So if you're still undecided ask yourself: Do you feel lucky? Well, in this case, you should.