2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee L South Jersey
Two Rows or Three
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee L
Same engines, same capability, same Jeep, in two sizes. The two-row Grand Cherokee is shorter, lighter on fuel and easier to park; the Grand Cherokee L adds nearly a foot of length, a third row and more cargo. This is a straight, even comparison to help South Jersey drivers pick the right one, because Lucas sells both.
The Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L are not rungs on a ladder; they are the same vehicle offered in two lengths. They share engines, four-wheel-drive systems, technology and trims. The only real question is how many people and how much cargo you need to carry, and how much length you want to live with in your driveway and in a tight Trenton parking lot. Lucas sells both, so this comparison plays it straight and lets your needs decide. For the full lineup, start at our Grand Cherokee research hub.
The quick take: buy the two-row Grand Cherokee if you carry five or fewer; buy the Grand Cherokee L if you carry six or seven with any regularity. They share every engine, every trim and the same 6,200 lbs of tow rating, so nothing else separates them. The L costs about $2,000 more at every trim, is 11.4 inches longer, carries 90 more pounds of payload, and gives up about one mpg. Neither is the upgrade — the seat count is the whole decision.
Grand Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee L: Overview
The two-row Grand Cherokee is 193.5 inches long on a 116.7-inch wheelbase, seats five, and is the more efficient and more maneuverable of the two. It is the choice for buyers who rarely need more than five seats and want the easiest version to park and the lowest price of entry.
The Grand Cherokee L stretches to 204.9 inches on a 121.7-inch wheelbase, adds a third row for seating up to seven, and grows maximum cargo to 84.6 cubic feet. It is the choice for families who need the extra seats or hauling room and are happy to trade a little length and about one mpg to get them. EPA ratings are published at fueleconomy.gov.
Powertrain and Performance Compared
| Spec | Grand Cherokee | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | 3.6L V6 293 hp / 2.0L turbo 324 hp | 3.6L V6 293 hp / 2.0L turbo 324 hp |
| Combined MPG (turbo) | Up to 23 mpg | Up to 22 mpg |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Max towing | 6,200 lb | 6,200 lb |
| Wheelbase | 116.7 in | 121.7 in |
Both bodies run the same proven 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the efficient 2.0L Hurricane turbo through the same 8-speed automatic, and both tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. The powertrain choice is identical, so this comparison really comes down to size.
Pricing Compared
| Spec | Grand Cherokee | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | Starts about $38,920 | Starts about $40,920 |
| Loaded Summit | Low $60,000s | Low-to-mid $60,000s |
| Seating | 5 | Up to 7 |
| Max cargo | 70.8 cu ft | 84.6 cu ft |
| Length | 193.5 in | 204.9 in |
The L runs roughly $2,000 above the equivalent two-row trim. Prices exclude tax, title, registration and the destination charge; see live inventory for current figures, and run your numbers with our financing team whenever you are ready.
Where Each One Wins
The Grand Cherokee wins on efficiency, price and maneuverability
The two-row model costs less to buy, returns about one more mpg, and is nearly a foot shorter, which makes it easier to park in a busy Cherry Hill lot or tuck into a standard garage. For a couple or a family of four or five, it delivers the full Grand Cherokee experience, the same engines and the same capability, in the more nimble package. Browse the current two-row stock in our Grand Cherokee inventory.
The Grand Cherokee L wins on space and seating
The L adds a genuine third row and seats up to seven, grows maximum cargo to 84.6 cubic feet, and carries a higher payload rating. Its longer wheelbase also rides a touch smoother on the highway. For a growing family, carpool duty around Toms River, or anyone who regularly hauls people and gear together, the extra length pays for itself every week. See what is on the lot in our Grand Cherokee L inventory.
Which Grand Cherokee Fits Your Family?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Rarely carry more than five and want the best mileage and price | Grand Cherokee, shop inventory |
| Need a third row, more cargo or higher payload | Grand Cherokee L, browse L models |
| Want the easiest version to park in town or in a garage | Grand Cherokee, see two-row stock |
Shop Both at Lucas Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
The easiest way to decide is to sit in both, and you can do exactly that at our Lumberton showroom on Route 38, minutes off I-295, where seeing the two side by side settles the space question fast. Call (609) 354-5619 or schedule a test drive online for Trenton, Cherry Hill and Toms River shoppers.
Grand Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee L FAQs
What is the main difference between the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L?
Size. The L is 11.4 inches longer and adds a third row for seating up to seven and more cargo, while the two-row model seats five and is shorter, lighter on fuel and easier to park. They share engines, capability and technology.
Is the Grand Cherokee L worth the extra money?
If you use the third row or the added cargo, yes; the roughly $2,000-per-trim premium buys real space. If you never carry more than five, the two-row model gives you the same driving experience for less.
Do the Grand Cherokee and L get different gas mileage?
Slightly. The longer, heavier L gives up about one combined mpg to the two-row model with the same engine and drivetrain. Both offer the efficient Hurricane turbo and the proven V6.
Do both tow the same amount?
Yes. Both the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. The L carries a slightly higher payload rating of up to 1,370 pounds.
Which is easier to park, the Grand Cherokee or the L?
The two-row Grand Cherokee, by nearly a foot of length. That makes a real difference in tight South Jersey lots and standard garages, while the L trades some of that ease for its third row.
Explore the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Guide
Compare Both in Person at Lucas
Sit in the two-row and the L side by side, then start your numbers online.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee, up to $115, may be added to the price of the vehicle.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.