The new WL-series Jeep Grand Cherokee features the nameplate’s first three-row option, however buyers who don’t need seven seats will have to wait.
The new two-row Grand Cherokee won’t arrive until the first quarter of 2023.
Jeep had originally aimed for a launch in the second half of this year.
WL Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
Its launch will coincide with that of the 4xe variant, the first plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee, which will be available only in the shorter body.
Customer deliveries of the new three-row WL Grand Cherokee will begin around June 1, meaning there’ll be a gap of more than six months between its launch and that of the two-row.
Pricing and specifications have yet to be announced for the two-row range, however CarExpert understands the two-row line-up will mirror that of the L.
WL Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve
The L range, for context, is offered in Night Eagle, Limited and Summit Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $82,250 to $115,450 before on-roads.
The 4xe is expected to be offered in two trim levels, corresponding with the Limited and Summit Reserve.
In the US, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is available in a standalone 4xe grade, but also in Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve trims.
The outgoing, two-row WK2 remains on sale in Australia, but its range has continued to be pared down as stock dries up.
WK2 Grand Cherokee
WL Grand Cherokee L
Production for the Australian market ended in December 2020, though it’s still produced in limited numbers for the US.
There’s now little in the way of WK2 stock on the ground, so Jeep buyers will be steered to the pricier, longer WL Grand Cherokee L if they’re looking for a large SUV.
Jeep has simplified the Grand Cherokee lineup in Australia with the WL redesign, offering only the 3.6-litre petrol V6 – at least until the 4xe comes next year – and a smaller range of trim levels.
Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe
We miss out on the base Laredo offered in the US, with Jeep Australia steering away from price-leader base models, while also left off the boat are the up-spec Overland and Summit.
It’s worth noting the WL continues to offer an off-road-oriented Trailhawk trim in the US, but this is only with the two-row body. Jeep Australia has yet to confirm whether it’ll be part of the local two-row line-up.
With the WL redesign, the Grand Cherokee has lost its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, while the 5.7-litre petrol V8 is off the table for Australia.
The turbo-diesel V6 will be missed the most, typically accounting for over half of the WK2’s annual sales.
Keyword: Jeep Grand Cherokee: Five-seat model, PHEV due early 2023