Is the Grand Cherokee L longer than Durango?

The new 3-row 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is kin to the 2021 Dodge Durango but they have distinctive characteristics. Here’s how they compare.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Starting Price: $36,995 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Ritzy interior; excellent safety suite; V6 or V8 engines; lots of tech features.

Below Average: The V8’s fuel economy; third-row seat is just adequate; less cargo space than some competitors.

Consensus: The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L stretches the Grand Cherokee to make room for the model’s first-ever 3-row variant. The redesign also brings a tech-loaded new interior and upscale finishes along with pricing to match.

2021 Dodge Durango

2021 Dodge Durango Starting Price: $32,570 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Powerful V8 engines available; sporty SRT models; tows up to 8,700 pounds; wild Hellcat version.

Below Average: Advanced driver aids are not standard; V8 engines are thirsty; subpar resale and reliability scores.

Consensus: The 2021 Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV with full-size towing capability and high-performance variants that top out with the pavement-scorching 710-horsepower SRT Hellcat.

Grand Cherokee L vs. Durango: Sibling Rivalry

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Jeep has added third-row seating to the Grand Cherokee, creating the new Grand Cherokee L. It’s 15.1 inches longer than the regular Grand Cherokee and rides on a 7-inch-longer wheelbase — but is still smaller than the upcoming Jeep Wagoneer. The upscale cabin seats six, or seven with the optional second-row bench. The second row is roomy, the third is passable. Cargo space is 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.6 with all seats folded.

Standard is Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 293 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 357 horsepower is optional only on the top-spec model and increases towing capacity from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds. EPA combined fuel economy is 21 mpg for the V6 and 17 mpg for the V8.

The Grand Cherokee L offers three different 4-wheel-drive (4WD) systems. The available Quadra-lift air suspension can raise the ride height up to 4.2 inches (for a max of 10.2 inches of ground clearance), and an off-road package includes an electronic limited-slip differential and skid plates.

Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee L in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trim levels. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is standard, and the central touchscreen has an 8.4-inch or a 10.1-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Leather is on all but the base model. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate are optional on the Laredo and standard elsewhere.

Upper trims offer an off-road camera, a 360-degree-view camera system, a rear camera mirror, a head-up display, night vision, real-wood trim, massaging seats, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. Standard driver assists include adaptive cruise control (with lane-centering for the Summit), forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning.

Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango dates back to 2011, but Dodge keeps it current mostly with regular injections of muscle. For 2021, that strategy reaches its apogee with the 710-horsepwer Durango SRT Hellcat — currently the most powerful SUV on the market. Then there’s also the Durango SRT 392 with a 475-hp 6.4-liter V8. Even the R/T, with its 360-hp 5.7-liter, V8 is sporty. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 powers the SXT, GT, and Citadel. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

Towing capacity is 6,200 pounds with the V6, 7,400 pounds with the Hemi V8, and 8,700 pounds for the V8 with the Town N Go package — that’s as much as a full-size SUV. EPA combined fuel economy for the V6 is not bad at 21 mpg but drops precipitously from there: 17 mpg for the 5.7-liter, 15 mpg for the 6.4-liter, and 13 mpg for the Hellcat.

In the base Durango, the third-row seat costs extra, but it’s included in all other models. The second row can be a 3-person bench or dual captain’s chairs. With all seats in use, the cargo space is 17.2 cubic feet, which expands to a max of 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Citadel is the only trim that comes standard with a full complement of active-safety features such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Those items are not available on the SXT and are optional on the other trims.

The SXT and GT come with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a new 10.1-inch unit standard elsewhere. Wireless phone charging arrives with the R/T trim. All V8 models get beefier brakes, and the SRT 392 and Hellcat have bespoke sport-tuned suspensions.

Similarities

Standard 3.6-liter V6 engine; optional 5.7-liter V8; fuel economy; seats up to 7; cargo volume; warranty.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Advantages

Off-road capability; ultra-luxe interior; modern high-tech features.

2021 Dodge Durango Advantages

Greater towing capacity; lower starting price; available high-performance versions.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is for those seeking a more upscale passenger environment or buyers looking for more than the typical off-road capability.

The 2021 Dodge Durango can be a capable family SUV or a blistering muscle car with three rows of seats. The top SRT Hellcat raises the performance bar among all SUVs.

Ready to buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee L or a Dodge Durango? Shop for one on sale now you

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