Quick Take
The Jeep Grand Cherokee WL is the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee family. It arrived first as the three-row Grand Cherokee L for 2021, followed by the redesigned two-row Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid for 2022.
The WL matters because it stretched the Grand Cherokee idea farther than any earlier generation. It covers traditional two-row SUV buyers, families who need three rows, premium-SUV shoppers, off-road-minded Trailhawk buyers, and plug-in hybrid owners who want electric driving without giving up Jeep identity.
Where the Concept Came From
The WL came from Jeep's need to replace the long-running WK2 and answer a broader SUV market. By the early 2020s, Grand Cherokee buyers expected more technology, more safety equipment, better cabin materials, electrified powertrain options, and more family space.
Instead of building only one replacement, Jeep split the idea into a family. The Grand Cherokee L gave the nameplate its first three-row version, while the two-row WL kept the classic Grand Cherokee footprint. The 4xe model added plug-in hybrid power to push the name into Jeep's electrified era.
Grand Cherokee L and the Three-Row Move
The Grand Cherokee L was a major change because Grand Cherokee had traditionally been a two-row SUV. The L added third-row seating and a longer body while trying to keep the Grand Cherokee's premium feel and Jeep capability.
That move gave Jeep a stronger answer for families who wanted a Jeep SUV but needed six- or seven-passenger seating. It also let Grand Cherokee compete with larger family SUVs without forcing those buyers into the separate Wagoneer line.
The Two-Row WL
The two-row WL followed for 2022 and became the more direct replacement for the WK2. It kept the Grand Cherokee's familiar role as a midsize premium SUV, but with a cleaner interior, more technology, updated styling, and available off-road and luxury trims.
For many Jeep owners, the two-row WL is the natural continuation of the Grand Cherokee story. It is more refined than the WK2, but it still offers serious four-wheel-drive equipment when optioned correctly.
4xe Plug-In Hybrid
The Grand Cherokee 4xe brought plug-in hybrid power to the WL lineup. It pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine with electric assist for strong torque, quiet low-speed driving, and the ability to run on electric power for shorter trips when charged.
Jeep positioned the 4xe as more than a fuel-economy option. With available Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II equipment and terrain-management technology, the 4xe keeps a real Jeep-capability story while adding electric driving modes.
Engines and 2026 Refresh
Early WL models are best known for the 3.6L Pentastar V6, available 5.7L HEMI V8 on certain non-4xe versions, and the 4xe plug-in hybrid system. The WL lineup has changed over time, so exact powertrain availability depends on model year, body style, trim, and market.
For 2026, Jeep's official Grand Cherokee capability information lists the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and a new 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo engine for gas-powered models, with up to 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque for the Hurricane 4 Turbo. Jeep also lists the updated Grand Cherokee family as available in two-row, three-row L, and plug-in hybrid 4xe forms.
Four-Wheel-Drive Systems and Capability
The WL continues Jeep's tradition of offering different four-wheel-drive systems for different buyers. Depending on year and trim, shoppers may see systems such as Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited-slip differential.
Selec-Terrain traction management and available Quadra-Lift air suspension are important parts of the WL capability story. Properly equipped, the WL can handle snow, bad roads, towing, light trails, and more serious off-pavement use than many luxury SUVs.
Trims and Personality
The WL lineup includes practical, luxury, off-road, and electrified personalities. Laredo and Altitude-style models cover value and appearance. Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve versions push comfort, screens, audio, leather, and premium interior materials higher.
Trailhawk models focus on off-road equipment and Jeep credibility, while 4xe models add the plug-in hybrid angle. That spread is one reason the WL can appeal to families, commuters, outdoor users, and upscale SUV buyers at the same time.
What Made It Popular
The WL is popular because it gives buyers choices. A shopper can choose a two-row daily driver, a three-row family SUV, a more luxurious Summit-style model, a trail-capable version, or a 4xe plug-in hybrid.
It also carries a strong name. By the WL era, Grand Cherokee had decades of recognition as a comfortable, capable Jeep SUV. The WL builds on that reputation with a more premium interior, stronger technology package, and broader family appeal.
Common Weak Points
Because the WL is newer, long-term ownership patterns are still developing. Early owner concerns can include software updates, infotainment issues, electronic warnings, air suspension behavior, battery-related issues on 4xe models, charging-system concerns, recalls, and trim or build-quality complaints.
For used shoppers, the big checks are service history, recall completion, warranty status, 4xe charging behavior, warning lights, suspension operation, tire wear, water leaks, and whether all driver-assistance and infotainment features work correctly.
Used WL Buying Notes
Start with body style. The Grand Cherokee L is the better fit if you need three rows. The two-row WL is better if you want the traditional Grand Cherokee size. The 4xe makes sense if you can charge regularly and want plug-in hybrid benefits.
On a test drive, check for smooth power delivery, clean transmission behavior, suspension noises, brake vibration, infotainment stability, HVAC operation, camera and sensor function, and any warning messages. On 4xe models, verify charge port function, charging cable condition, hybrid modes, battery state-of-charge behavior, and service records.
If the Jeep is still under warranty, understand what coverage remains. A newer WL with unresolved electronics or hybrid-system issues can be frustrating, so documentation matters.
Why It Still Matters
The WL matters because it shows where Grand Cherokee is now: more premium, more family-friendly, more electronic, and more electrified than the generations before it. It is still meant to be capable, but it also has to satisfy modern luxury-SUV expectations.
For Jeep history, the WL is the generation that turned Grand Cherokee into a true family of vehicles. It kept the familiar two-row model, added the first three-row Grand Cherokee L, and brought 4xe plug-in hybrid technology into one of Jeep's most important nameplates.