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Jeep
Grand Cherokee
WL·
2021-2026
suv-4wd
Caution
Price (AUD)
$55k-$130k
Body styles
5-door wagon (5-seat), 5-door wagon (7-seat, Grand Cherokee L)
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD with front-axle disconnect (Quadra-Trac I), Active on-demand 4WD with low-range (Quadra-Trac II / Quadra-Drive II)
Origin
USA
Built in
USA (Detroit - Mack and Jefferson North assembly)
Overview
The fifth-generation WL Grand Cherokee landed in Australia in mid-2022, first as the seven-seat Grand Cherokee L, then the five-seat wagon and the Summit Reserve 4xe plug-in hybrid through 2023. Sold here as Night Eagle, Limited, Overland and the flagship Summit Reserve 4xe. Unlike the old WK2 there is NO diesel and NO V8 in Australia: every petrol model uses the 3.6L Pentastar V6, and the only electrified option is the 2.0L turbo 4xe PHEV. It is a genuine ladder-influenced unibody touring 4WD with dual-range (low-range) gearing, locking centre/rear options on Quadra-Drive II grades, and air suspension on Overland/Summit. Much more refined and better-built than the heavily-recalled WK2 - Jeep states the WL shares only about 2 percent of components with its predecessor - but it is still early in its life with several significant safety recalls (rear coil spring detachment and upper control arm ball joint separation) plus the usual Stellantis electrical/Uconnect gremlins. Towing tops out around 2,800kg braked (not a true 3,500kg tourer), and the V6 is thirsty and short on low-down torque for heavy loads. Buy one with every recall closed out and a transferable factory warranty, and treat the 4xe's high-voltage battery and software as the key risk items.
Engines & variants
3.6L Pentastar V6 petrol
Engine
3.6L naturally-aspirated DOHC 24-valve V6 with VVT and stop-start
Config
V6 NA
Displacement
3604cc
Power
210-214kW @ 6400rpm
Torque
344Nm @ 4000rpm
Drivetrain
Full-time/on-demand 4WD with front-axle disconnect, dual-range
0–100
~7.5-8.0s
Economy
9.9 L/100km ADR combined (12-14 real world)
Tow (braked)
2813kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
8AT (ZF 8HP)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Smooth, refined and proven 3.6 Pentastar - the strongest part of the package
- ZF 8-speed auto is a good, well-understood transmission
- Genuine low-range and capable off-road hardware
- Cheaper to buy and simpler than the 4xe hybrid
- Big, comfortable, well-equipped family tourer
Cons
- No diesel torque - lacks low-down grunt for heavy towing
- Only ~2,800kg braked tow rating, not the 3,500kg some buyers expect
- Thirsty in the real world (12-14 L/100km) for a petrol six
- Subject to the WL suspension and electrical recalls
- Patchy Jeep dealer/service reputation in Australia
Known problems
high
Rear coil spring detachment (recall)
A factory recall covers steel-sprung WL/WL L models where the rear coil springs may have been incorrectly seated and can detach from the vehicle while driving - a serious safety issue. Air-suspension cars are not affected.
Fix: Have the recall closed out at a Jeep dealer (spring/seat inspection and correction). Confirm the recall is completed before purchase via VIN.
high
Upper control arm ball joint separation (recall)
A pinch bolt clamping the upper control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle can break, letting the arm separate and the wheel fall outboard - potentially without warning. Owners may hear a clunk over bumps beforehand.
Fix: Jeep replaces the UCA pinch bolts under recall. Verify completion by VIN and investigate any front-end knock immediately.
low
Pentastar real-world fuel use and weight on brakes
The V6 in a 2.2-tonne-plus body returns 12-14 L/100km in real use and works the brakes hard, especially when towing or loaded.
Fix: Not a fault; quality pads/rotors for tow duty and accept the fuel bill.
2.0L 4xe turbo plug-in hybrid
Engine
2.0L turbocharged DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder petrol paired with two electric motors and a 17.3kWh battery (400V plug-in hybrid)
Config
I4 turbo + electric (PHEV)
Displacement
1995cc
Power
280kW combined (2.0T alone ~200kW)
Torque
637Nm combined (2.0T alone ~400Nm)
Drivetrain
Full-time/on-demand 4WD with low-range, dual-range
0–100
~6.3s
Economy
3.2 L/100km ADR (PHEV) / ~52km EV range NEDC
Tow (braked)
2722kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
8AT (ZF 8P75PH hybrid)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Strong 280kW/637Nm combined output - quickest GC here
- Up to ~50km electric-only range for commuting
- Quiet, torquey EV launch feel with V6-rivalling tow rating
- Flagship Summit Reserve trim and equipment
- Lower fuel use if charged regularly
Cons
- High-voltage battery has been subject to fire-risk concerns/recalls on 4xe models
- Complex PHEV hardware on a brand with a patchy electrical reputation
- Expensive to buy ($129,950 new) and to repair out of warranty
- Software/charging glitches reported by early owners
- Heavy - towing and economy suffer once the battery is depleted
Known problems
high
High-voltage battery failure / fire risk
The 4xe high-voltage battery has been linked to failures and fire risk across 2022-2024 Jeep/Stellantis 4xe products, prompting recalls and software/hardware remedies. Owners were in some cases advised not to charge or to park away from structures pending the fix.
Fix: Ensure all 4xe battery recalls and software updates are completed; buy only with a valid factory warranty and documented remedy.
medium
PHEV software / charging interruptions and check-engine lights
Early 4xe owners report charging interruptions, hybrid-system warning lights, and powertrain glitches often traced to software, mirroring issues seen on the Wrangler 4xe.
Fix: Apply the latest Uconnect/hybrid control software; have the dealer scan and reflash. Confirm charging works on the supplied cable before buying.
low
Reduced effective range and economy when depleted
Once the battery is flat the 2.0 turbo hauls a heavy PHEV on its own, so real fuel use rises well above the 3.2 L/100km ADR figure, especially towing.
Fix: Charge regularly to benefit; not a fault.
Common problems (all variants)
medium
Air suspension faults (Overland / Summit)
Quadra-Lift air suspension on higher grades can develop uneven ride height, compressor wear, air-line/strut leaks and ride-height errors, worse in cold conditions. Repairs are expensive once out of warranty.
Fix: Diagnose for leaks/compressor; replace failed struts or compressor. Steel-sprung Night Eagle/Limited avoid this entirely.
medium
Uconnect infotainment freezing / rebooting
The large Uconnect 5 touchscreen can freeze, reboot, drop Bluetooth/CarPlay, or lose the reversing camera. Common Stellantis software gremlin reported by many WL owners.
Fix: Software/firmware updates at the dealer; occasional head-unit replacement under warranty.
medium
Electrical / phantom warning lights
Spurious dash warnings, key-fob recognition faults and intelligent-battery-sensor (IBS) false low-battery alerts are reported, sometimes causing no-start or stop-start dropouts.
Fix: Scan and reflash modules; replace/recalibrate the IBS or 12V battery as needed.
low
Brake wear on a heavy body
At well over 2 tonnes the WL is hard on brakes; rotors and pads wear faster than lighter SUVs, particularly when towing near the ~2,800kg limit.
Fix: Quality pads/rotors; consider tow-rated pads if used for towing.
low
Jeep dealer support and parts wait times (AU)
Owners report variable Jeep dealer service quality and slow parts supply in Australia, which can stretch out warranty and recall work.
Fix: Choose a well-regarded dealer/independent; confirm parts availability before booking major work.