The Fantastic 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X: A Rugged Mid-Size SUV Built for Adventure
Overview of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X stands out in the competitive SUV segment with its blend of off-road capability and refined urban features. It delivers the iconic Jeep DNA that enthusiasts love while adding a touch of luxury without going overboard on price. Positioned just above the base Laredo trim the Laredo X provides extra features and amenities to appeal to both adventurers and families alike. This version stays true to the core Jeep philosophy: it’s capable bold and designed to take you wherever you want to go.
Whether you're exploring rugged terrains or just running errands around town the 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X strikes a fine balance between practicality and adventure. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this SUV special from performance to interior technology and where it might fall short.
Performance and Powertrain
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X comes equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission this powertrain offers smooth shifts and plenty of power for highway merging or off-road excursions. This engine has been tried and tested in several Jeep models over the years providing reliable performance without any gimmicks.
Off-Roading Capability
One of the Jeep Grand Cherokee's most significant advantages is its off-road capability. With Jeep's available 4x4 system you can confidently tackle dirt trails or snow-covered roads. The Quadra-Trac I and optional Quadra-Trac II systems offer seamless traction management ensuring you stay in control no matter the terrain. It isn’t a full-blown Wrangler competitor but it handles light off-roading tasks exceptionally well.
- Drive Modes: Normal Sport Snow Sand/Mud
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6200 lbs
- Ground Clearance: 8.6 inches
What’s Underwhelming?
Despite being competent off-road the Laredo X trim lacks some advanced off-road tools available in the higher trims like the Trailhawk. There are no skid plates included in the Laredo X and more serious off-road enthusiasts may feel limited without hill-descent control.
Exterior Design and Styling
The Grand Cherokee’s exterior strikes a handsome balance between rugged and refined. The seven-slot grille combined with sharp LED lighting accents delivers a strong visual appeal. The Laredo X trim adds some extra aesthetic touches such as 18-inch aluminum wheels and subtle body-colored accents. The rear end features LED tail lamps that give it a modern vibe without being too flashy.
Key Exterior Features:
- 18-inch alloy wheels standard
- Power liftgate
- Roof rails for added cargo flexibility
What Could Be Better?
Some buyers might feel the 18-inch wheels look a bit underwhelming compared to the optional 20-inch rims on higher trims. Additionally while it looks clean and elegant some might wish for a bit more aggressive styling options. "Honestly it’s stylish but doesn't stand out too much in traffic" says Alex Collantes an owner of the Laredo X.
Interior Comfort and Cabin Space
Stepping inside the 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X reveals a thoughtfully designed cabin with a mix of soft-touch materials and durable finishes. Jeep has done a good job balancing practicality with a hint of luxury. You’ll find leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats a major selling point for those cold mornings. The 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone climate control add a touch of convenience.
"On a long road trip the seats were comfortable and supportive" Alex Collantes notes adding "I didn’t feel fatigued even after hours on the road." The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split giving you plenty of cargo options when hauling gear for a weekend getaway.
Cabin Features:
- 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
- 6-speaker audio system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Interior Shortcomings
While the Laredo X offers decent interior features it does have some drawbacks. Alex mentioned the lack of rear air vents which can leave passengers feeling uncomfortable in warm weather. Furthermore the cabin materials while mostly soft are interspersed with hard plastics which can detract from the premium feel some buyers may expect.
Technology and Infotainment
Jeep's Uconnect 4 system remains one of the more user-friendly infotainment setups on the market. The 8.4-inch touchscreen responds quickly to inputs and the menus are intuitive and easy to navigate. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard which helps modernize the infotainment experience. There's also a Wi-Fi hotspot capability for those who need connectivity on the go.
Infotainment Highlights:
- 8.4-inch touchscreen display
- Bluetooth and voice recognition
- Wi-Fi hotspot (optional subscription required)
- USB and auxiliary inputs for added connectivity
Areas for Improvement in Technology
Though the infotainment system is easy to use the graphics aren’t the sharpest compared to some competitors like the Ford Explorer. Some users have reported that the touchscreen can lag occasionally when switching between apps. Additionally navigation is only available with a premium package which might feel like a letdown for some buyers who expect it as standard.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X comes with several essential safety features though it doesn’t offer as many advanced systems as higher trims or rivals. You get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as part of the standard package. The ParkSense rear park assist makes parking in tight spaces easier and the rear backup camera provides a clear view.
Standard Safety Features:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear backup camera
- ParkSense rear park assist
What Could Have Been Better?
While these features are helpful the Laredo X lacks advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist which are available on rivals at a similar price point. Alex pointed out "It’s weird that adaptive cruise control isn't standard at this price" expressing frustration that some features feel locked behind premium packages.
Fuel Economy
The 3.6-liter V6 engine offers decent fuel economy for its class with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. While it’s not groundbreaking it’s reasonable given the vehicle's size and capability. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant performs slightly better than the 4x4 version in terms of fuel efficiency.
Pros and Cons of Fuel Economy
- Pros:
- Decent mileage for a mid-size SUV with off-road capability
- The 8-speed transmission optimizes fuel use on highways
- Cons:
- Falls behind some rivals in fuel efficiency
- The 4x4 version sees a slight drop in mileage
Pricing and Value
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is priced starting at $38,000. Considering the features you get it presents good value for those who want a blend of comfort practicality and off-road capability. However adding optional packages can quickly raise the price which may make buyers think twice.
Pricing Breakdown:
- Base MSRP: $38,000
- Optional 4x4 System: +$2,500
- Premium Audio Package: +$1,200
Conclusion: Should You Buy the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is an excellent choice for drivers who want a versatile SUV capable of handling weekend adventures without sacrificing everyday practicality. Its blend of comfort tech and off-road capability makes it a well-rounded option in the crowded SUV market. However it does have a few drawbacks such as limited advanced safety features and a somewhat dated infotainment system.
Alex Collantes summed it up perfectly saying "It’s not perfect but it’s the best mix of comfort and adventure for me. You won’t regret taking it off the beaten path."
In summary if you're in the market for a rugged mid-size SUV that won’t break the bank but still offers solid features the Grand Cherokee Laredo X is well worth considering. Just be prepared to add a few upgrades if you want all the bells and whistles.