Is the 2023 Grand Cherokee L 4x4 the BEST off-road three-row SUV?

We drive the 2023 Grand Cherokee L Overland 4x4 to see its king of the 3-row off-roaders.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:32 Exterior
1:16 Cargo Space
2:45 What's New For 2023?
3:11 Under The Hood
3:52 Off-Road Tech
4:46 Pricing
05:01 Interior And Tech
9:55 On-Road Driving
15:19 Off-Road Driving
19:45 Verdict
This is the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and it’s a little bit more than your standard mall cruising, drop-the-kids-off-at-soccer practice SUV and it's definitely no glorified minivan.
Instead, it offers real off-road ability, go-anywhere and go-over-anything capabilities. If you’re a true adventurer at heart and are looking to explore uncharted territory, then one of these has got your name on it.
What’s new for 2023
Uconnect 5 NAV with 10.1-in. digital touchscreen standard on Limited and Overland models
Nine-speaker Alpine audio system available as a standalone option on Limited model
19-speaker McIntosh audio system available as a standalone option on Overland and Summit models
Under The Hood
With a superb 8-speed automatic transmission, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 generates 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It is capable of towing up to 6,200 lbs in this arrangement. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is the second and best choice; it has more power but consumes more gas. It can haul up to 7,200 lbs and has 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
Jeep should make the new Hurricane turbo 6 available in L model trims with higher specifications but that one may only stay with the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models.
The V6 isn't particularly economical with EPA numbers of Combined/City/Highway: 21/18/25 mpg. Even with a careful right foot I only managed 15.6 mpg but that did include our off-road shenanigans.
Overland Off-Road equipment
The center differential of the Quadra-Trac II system features an electronically controlled clutch. Contrary to Quadra Track I, this system can adjust the ratio, sending up to 100% of the engine's twist to either axle. The system distributes 48% of the engine's torque to the front axle and 52% to the rear axle.
Numerous sensors detect wheel slip and, as necessary, move the power forward or backward. The Quadra-Trac II system has open differentials and a brake-based traction control system, similar to Quadra-Trac I.
This Overland model has five off-road settings: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock. When one of these is selected, the transfer case automatically shifts, the suspension height is adjusted, and the engine and stability control programming is modified to accommodate the anticipated terrain.
Thanks to its air suspension, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a maximum ground clearance of 10.9 inches and is capable of crossing water up to 24 inches deep.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality are all included in the standard safety equipment. It also includes an Adaptive cruise system with lane centering called Active Driving Assist..
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland 4x4 numbers
Base Price: $61,195
As Tested Price: $62,990
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon
Engine: 3.6 liter DOHC 24-valve V6
Power: 295 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
Zero to 60 mph: 7.8 seconds (est)
Curb Weight 4,997 lbs
Cargo Capacity: 17.2 ft³ with all seats up,46.9 ft³ third row folded, 84.6 ft³ with all seats folded
EPA Combined/City/Highway: 21/18/25 mpg
Our Observed Fuel Economy: 15.6 mpg
Pros: Serious off-road ability, ride quality, superb interior, 8-speed transmission
Cons: Needs more power, too much piano black

[@The_Samsquantch]

Ahhh, someone finally reviewing this thing in a mid level trim off-road. THANK YOU! I can't tell you how annoying it is for some of us who are not planning to buy the top tier of a vehicle only finding these other channels reviewing the fully loaded versions. Still seems very capable as a V6 with the mid level Quadra System. I've been contemplating the V8 but I think the V6 will do just fine even at elevation and the bit of fuel economy gains on the V6 will be nice for around town. After all it's a Jeep, not a race car. :) Thanks for this review, it was really helpful for my decision.

[@greggb681]

Great review 👍

[@TheDrivewire]

I believe the system will lower the vehicle to standard ride height at over 40 mph

[@f4nyang]

That is not a drain plug. That is the winch plug to remove your spare tire.

[@TheDrivewire]

Appreciate the correction although a drain plug would be useful

[@jalen_9276]

what's the speed limits per hight raise? I know most vehicles will start to lower the suspension the faster you go.

[@johnargumaniz9179]

It will lower to the aerodynamic level which is the 2nd lowest setting

[@Detonador7756]

He drives like my grandma 👵🏼, hit the pedal man.

[@TheKonstantinopolos]

This is not off-road. Review for grandpa