The 2023 Grand Cherokee L Summit stands out in the mid-size SUV class, especially for those looking for plenty of interior space and a strong towing capacity. Its exterior measures over 204 inches in length, making it longer than several key rivals. This extra length helps give passengers more room in every row and provides more cargo space in the back.
Inside, the Grand Cherokee L Summit features high-quality materials, advanced technology, and a wide range of comfort options like massage seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. Safety features and options for convenience are also built-in, making daily driving or longer trips easier and more comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Longest body in its class gives more space and cargo capacity.
- Packed with comfort, advanced tech, and safety features inside.
- Offers strong towing and handling for both city and off-road use.
Outside Appearance and Size Details
Modern Look and Unique Features
The 2023 Grand Cherokee L Summit stands out with its sleek, modern exterior design. It features LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and a more streamlined seven-slot grille. The hood is flat, and the fenders are more squared-off. The lower trim includes a unique grille pattern with gloss black elements. Satin aluminum touches start at the side mirrors and run along the sides and rear window. The rear showcases a lower roof spoiler and wraparound LED tail lamps. Black Mopar side steps and American flag accents by the front doors add extra detail.
Height Off the Ground and Water Handling
This SUV is built for rough terrain with a ground clearance of up to 10.9 inches. The Grand Cherokee L Summit can drive through water up to 24 inches deep, which is better than any of its main rivals. The air suspension lets drivers adjust the height for different situations, giving more flexibility for off-road or city driving.
Vehicle Size Compared to Others
The Grand Cherokee L Summit is the longest in its group for mid-sized SUVs.
- Length: 204.9 inches
- This length is:
- Over 15 inches longer than the standard Grand Cherokee
- Over 5.5 inches longer than the Mazda CX-9
- 8 inches longer than the Kia Telluride
- Nearly 7 inches longer than the Nissan Pathfinder
| Model | Length (inches) |
|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee L Summit | 204.9 |
| Standard Grand Cherokee | ~189.8 |
| Mazda CX-9 | ~199 |
| Kia Telluride | ~197 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | ~198 |
Distance Between Wheels and Ride System
The long wheelbase adds to the vehicle’s stability and space:
- Wheelbase: 121.7 inches
This gives nearly 7 more inches compared to the standard Grand Cherokee.
The Summit uses a short and long arm suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. These systems, along with the Quadra-Trac II four-wheel drive and Select-Terrain system, help give a comfortable ride on both rough and smooth roads.
Power and Performance
Engine Details
The 2023 Grand Cherokee L Summit uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This SUV gets about 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The 0-60 mph time is around 8 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 16 seconds. For those comparing, the V6 is slower than some rivals like the Nissan Pathfinder, Kia, and Mazda.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 293 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph | ~8 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | ~16 seconds |
| MPG (City/Highway) | 18 / 25 |
Hauling and Carrying Ability
The Grand Cherokee L Summit stands out for its towing and carrying strength. It offers best-in-class towing and payload numbers for its segment. The payload starts at 1,632 pounds and can go up to 1,976 pounds, depending on how it is equipped. The dedicated tow package is standard and the spare tire is stored underneath for convenience.
- Payload: 1,632 – 1,976 pounds
- Towing: Best in class for mid-size SUVs
Inside, the cargo area is 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the third row expands space to 46.9 cubic feet, and folding both second and third rows gives a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet.
Ride and Handling
This SUV has air suspension with short and long arm design in the front and multi-link system in the rear. These features help it stay steady and comfortable over different surfaces. The Quadra-Trac II four-wheel drive and adjustable ride height let drivers customize the experience for city or off-road use. Adaptive cruise control and lane management systems give a secure feeling on the highway.
Features:
- Quadra-Trac II 4WD
- Select-Terrain drive modes
- Adjustable height air suspension
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active lane support
Off-Road Strengths
With a ground clearance up to 10.9 inches, the Grand Cherokee L Summit leads in its category for tackling rough terrain. It can drive through up to 24 inches of water, which is more than most competitors. Extra off-road features are available on the dashboard to monitor vehicle dynamics, adjust settings, and access different camera views for safer off-roading.
- Ground Clearance: Up to 10.9 inches
- Water Fording Depth: 24 inches
- Traction Management: Select-Terrain system
- Cameras: Forward, rear, and 360-degree views
- Differential: Electronic limited-slip rear axle
These features help the Grand Cherokee L Summit stay capable on trails, in deep water, and over rocky ground.
Protection and Assistance for Drivers
Enhanced Protection Technologies
The 2023 Grand Cherokee L Summit offers several features designed to help keep people safer. Some of these include:
- LED headlamps and daytime lights for better visibility
- Side distance warning to alert the driver about objects or cars nearby
- Pedestrian and cyclist emergency braking to help avoid accidents
- Intersection collision help that adds a layer of attention at busy crossings
- Blind spot alerts and cross path warnings
- Drowsiness detection for the driver
- Up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance for handling rough roads
- Electronic limited slip differential rear axle for better control
The high ground clearance and water fording capability (up to 24 inches) help in difficult driving situations, making it easier to avoid hazards.
Assistance Features for Drivers
When it comes to helping drivers, the Grand Cherokee L Summit is well-equipped. Features include:
- Adaptive cruise control for steady speeds and safe following
- Active lane management to help stay centered
- Surround view camera for clear views around the entire vehicle
- Parking assistance for both parallel and perpendicular parking
- Active driving support system for a smoother drive
Additional tools such as a digital rearview mirror and a 360-degree reverse camera with full trajectory lines make reversing safer and easier. The gauge cluster and infotainment screens show helpful info, including night vision settings and navigation, all within easy reach.
A table below summarizes some of the main features:
| Safety Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian/cyclist braking | Helps avoid hitting people |
| Blind spot and cross path alerts | Warns of cars in hard-to-see areas |
| Drowsiness detection | Alerts if the driver seems tired |
| Adaptive cruise control | Maintains set distance |
| Surround view camera | Shows full view around vehicle |
| Parking assistance | Helps with parking |
Cabin Comfort and Roominess
Seats and Customization
The front seats have 16 settings and come with both heating and cooling. There’s also a massage function with five different settings for added comfort. Soft Nappa leather and detailed stitching are found throughout the seating surfaces, and the front passenger gets a separate touchscreen for media and navigation.
Cabin Materials and Details
Wood inlays and contrasting stitching are featured across the dashboard and door panels. The leather-wrapped dashboard adds a premium feel. The soft surfaces continue through the cabin, and the interior uses both gloss and metallic accents for a clean look. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with wood accents and includes paddle shifters.
Space for Heads and Legs
| Row | Headroom (inches) | Legroom (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Row | 39.8 | 41.3 |
| Second Row | 39.9 | 39.4 |
Even tall adults have space in the first two rows, and the long body means plenty of room to stretch out.
Usefulness of the Back Row
The third row is easier to use because of the vehicle’s extra length. The seats can recline, and two adults can sit in the third row, though space is a bit tighter than in the first two rows. The easy folding, power adjustments, and split-fold function make the third row practical for both people and cargo.
Infotainment and Technology
Screens and Display Choices
The Grand Cherokee L Summit has a large 10.1-inch touchscreen system. It gives smooth controls like pinch, swipe, and tap to access navigation, audio, and car settings. The front passenger gets their own touch display. This screen can show navigation, camera feeds, media, and more.
Both screens are easy to use with clear menus and quick responses.
In the gauge cluster, everything is digital. Drivers can swap between navigation, off-road data, and audio info right in front of them.
| Screen Location | Size | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Main Center Touchscreen | 10.1 inch | Navigation, audio, settings, apps |
| Passenger Touch Display | N/A | Media, cameras, navigation |
| Digital Gauge Cluster | N/A | Customizable info |
Connection and Mobile Options
The Uconnect 5 system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM, and AM/FM radio. There are plenty of USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and 12-volt charging ports for all rows. Wireless charging is built in for quick phone charging without cords.
Both drivers and passengers can keep devices connected and charged for trips.
Audio and Speaker Systems
The Grand Cherokee L Summit offers a choice of premium sound systems:
- The Limited trim gets a 9-speaker Alpine setup.
- Overland and Summit models come with a 19-speaker Macintosh system.
Both speaker options bring clear and rich sound across the cabin. The Macintosh system, in particular, is designed for a high-quality listening experience while driving.
Camera and Night View Features
A surround view camera system makes parking and reversing easier. There is a 360-degree camera with selectable views, so users can check every angle. Parallel and perpendicular park assist help with tight maneuvers.
Night vision can be turned on in the instrument cluster. This system helps detect people, cyclists, and animals ahead in the dark. It adds another layer of safety for nighttime driving.
Drivers can switch between forward and rear cameras, even for trail use or checking water depth. The digital rear-view mirror gives a wide, clear view behind the vehicle.
Easy Use and Storage Space
Room for Luggage and Gear
The Grand Cherokee L Summit has more space for bags and gear than most rivals. With all seats up, there is about 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row. If the third-row seats are folded down in a 50/50 split, the area expands to 46.9 cubic feet. Folding down both the second and third rows increases the cargo space up to 84.6 cubic feet.
Here is a quick overview of the cargo space:
| Seat Configuration | Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) |
|---|---|
| All seats up | 17.2 |
| Third row folded | 46.9 |
| Second & third rows folded | 84.6 |
A spare tire is stored underneath the floor, and there is a handy tray for smaller items.
Adjustable Seat Positions
Both the second and third rows can be adjusted with the push of a button. The seats offer easy power-fold and split options, letting users change seating or storage needs quickly. There is also a 12-volt outlet nearby. These controls make it simple for anyone to fold or move the seats for more room.
Power features include:
- Split folding for more flexibility
- Simple button controls to adjust seats
- Reclining and sliding in the second row for comfort
Extra Spaces for Small Items
There are several carefully placed places for storage. These include cup holders that fit up to a 32-ounce bottle, a deep armrest storage bin, and a storage tray above the spare tire. Charging ports, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a wireless charging pad help keep everything organized and powered up on trips.
List of extra storage touches:
- Deep storage console for front seats
- Cup holders for each row
- Door pockets with soft-touch trim
- Tray space for smaller things near the back row
All these features make it easy to keep the cabin tidy and use every bit of space.
Closing Thoughts
The Grand Cherokee L Summit offers several notable features in its design and capabilities. It stands out with a longer body length and higher ground clearance compared to many competitors, providing extra space inside and a commanding stance outside.
Key Features Highlighted:
- 204.9-inch length (longest in its segment)
- Ground clearance of up to 10.9 inches
- 24-inch water fording depth
Inside, the vehicle provides generous room in every row and uses quality materials like Nappa leather and wood inlays. The Summit trim includes advanced comfort options such as heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. Both the cargo space and overall interior layout make it suitable for family trips or transporting large items.
Technology and Convenience:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Full digital gauge cluster
- Night vision, 360-degree cameras, and heads-up display
- Wireless charging and multiple USB ports
The towing and payload capacities lead its class, and features like air suspension, adaptive drive systems, and driver safety alerts help make daily tasks easier. While its 3.6-liter V6 is not the most powerful or fuel efficient, it provides a reliable balance for those not seeking top speed.
Cargo and Seating Overview:
| Specification | Amount |
|---|---|
| Headroom (Front/2nd/3rd) | 39.8″ / 39.9″ / — |
| Legroom (Front/2nd/3rd) | 41.3″ / 39.4″ / — |
| Standard Cargo Volume | 17.2 cubic feet |
| Max Cargo Volume | 84.6 cubic feet (seats folded) |
| Towing Capacity | Best in its class |
Their use of technology, interior comfort, and best-in-segment measurements are clear advantages for those looking at larger mid-sized SUVs.