Best SUV for Everyday Driving: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Review
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is often praised as the sweet spot in Jeep’s lineup—offering just enough luxury, capability, and comfort without the premium price tag of higher trims. If you’re someone seeking a well-rounded SUV with off-road prowess, a smooth highway ride, and advanced tech features, this could be the right option for you. However, like any car, it isn’t perfect, and this review will look into both the good and the not-so-good of owning a 2021 Grand Cherokee Limited.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee Limited is considered one of Jeep's most versatile trims. It fits the bill whether you need a family vehicle or something rugged enough for weekend adventures. This in-depth review will break down the performance, interior comfort, technology, and safety, plus the potential downsides so you know what to expect.
Overview of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
The Limited trim sits above the Laredo and Altitude in the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup but remains more accessible compared to luxury trims like the Overland or Summit. It's a well-balanced version with the right mix of practical and high-end features.
Available with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), the Grand Cherokee Limited appeals to those who want the option to enjoy light off-road capability while prioritizing day-to-day comfort. Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, this Jeep also offers impressive towing capacity and refined handling for long road trips.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Powertrain Options
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is powered by a standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine has proven reliability over the years, with decent fuel efficiency for its class. Drivers can expect up to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which makes it competitive in the mid-size SUV category.
For those looking for more power, Jeep also offers the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, but it comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. With the V8, towing capacity increases to 7,200 lbs, making it ideal for those planning to tow trailers or boats.
“Honestly the V6 in the Limited trim feels more than enough for 90% of driving situations” says Alex Collantes who’s been driving a Grand Cherokee for the past year. “The power delivery is smooth and the engine rarely feels like it’s struggling even with passengers and cargo on board.”
Ride Comfort
The Grand Cherokee Limited rides smoothly, thanks to its independent suspension and a well-tuned chassis. On the highway, it stays composed with minimal body roll around corners. However, some drivers might find the steering a bit numb compared to sportier rivals like the Mazda CX-9.
4WD Capability
The available Quadra-Trac II 4WD system makes the Limited trim capable of light off-road adventures. It offers several driving modes including Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock, which automatically adjust throttle response and suspension settings to match terrain conditions. While it's no Wrangler, it can confidently handle uneven trails and gravel roads.
Interior and Cargo Space
Premium Comfort with a Practical Design
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited stands out for offering an upscale feel without venturing into luxury-SUV territory. Leather-trimmed seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control are all standard features.
The seats are supportive, but some owners report that longer drives may cause discomfort in the lower back area. If you plan on taking road trips, it may be worth investing in some seat cushions or taking breaks along the way.
The cargo space behind the second row measures 36.3 cubic feet, which is more than enough for groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear. With the rear seats folded down, this expands to 68.3 cubic feet. However, one minor drawback is the high cargo floor, which can make it harder to load heavier items.
Technology and Infotainment
User-Friendly Uconnect System
The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen is one of the highlights of the Limited trim. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system is easy to navigate and responds quickly to inputs, making it one of the more intuitive systems in the SUV segment.
One of the few downsides is that voice recognition can be hit-or-miss. On occasion, drivers have reported that the system struggles to understand commands, especially in noisy environments.
Alex Collantes mentions “The Uconnect system is great most of the time but yeah the voice controls could use some work. I’ve had to repeat myself a few times to get it right but that’s not a dealbreaker for me.”
Sound System
Jeep offers an optional 9-speaker Alpine audio system, which provides a more immersive listening experience. For audiophiles who care about sound quality, the upgrade is worth considering as the standard speakers can sound flat at higher volumes.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2021 Grand Cherokee Limited comes with an impressive list of standard safety features including:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
However, lane-keeping assist and park assist are only available as part of optional packages. Some competitors, like the Toyota Highlander, offer these features as standard.
Jeep’s crash-test ratings are solid overall. It earned a 4-star rating from NHTSA but fell short of a perfect score because of a four-star rating in the rollover test. This isn’t uncommon for SUVs but it’s something to keep in mind if you prioritize top-tier safety ratings.
Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited offers competitive fuel economy for the class. With the V6 engine and RWD configuration, drivers can expect 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Opting for 4WD or the HEMI V8 will reduce those numbers slightly but they remain reasonable compared to rivals.
One potential drawback to consider is maintenance costs. Jeep vehicles aren’t the most expensive to maintain but they can require more frequent repairs than some competitors. Owners report that brake replacements and electrical issues can crop up over time though these aren’t common in newer models.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful V6 engine with the option for a HEMI V8
- Smooth highway ride and off-road capability
- Intuitive Uconnect infotainment system
- Spacious cargo area
Cons
- Voice controls can be frustrating
- High cargo floor may make loading heavy items difficult
- Maintenance costs can add up over time
- Lane-keeping assist not standard
Final Thoughts
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is a versatile SUV that finds a comfortable middle ground between capability and comfort. It offers a smooth ride, spacious interior, and advanced tech making it a great choice for families and adventurers alike. However, small drawbacks such as inconsistent voice recognition and optional driver aids may give some buyers pause.
“After a year with my Grand Cherokee Limited I can confidently say it was a solid purchase. The minor flaws are there but they don’t take away from how capable and enjoyable the car is to drive” says Alex Collantes.
If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV that’s just as comfortable on city streets as it is on dirt trails the Grand Cherokee Limited deserves serious consideration. It offers a bit of everything—performance luxury tech and safety—making it one of the more well-rounded SUVs in its segment.