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It’s the cycle of SUV life. New models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L emerge, and older models like the Dodge Durango get discontinued. While we’re sad to see the Dodge Durango go, we’re excited to see the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L may replace the Dodge Durango 

The 2021 Dodge Durango on the street
2021 Dodge Durango | Dodge

Say hello to the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and goodbye to the Dodge Durango. A few years back, we said goodbye to the three-row Jeep Commander to welcome the Durango. So, this could be a tale of Jeep revenge. 

But Durango fans still have a little time. The current Durango will be built on the same platform until 2024. Stellantis hasn’t made any comments on building the next generation Durango on a new platform. Rumors suggested that it could arrive on the Ram 1500’s new platform, but that hasn’t been confirmed. 

Also, we aren’t sure if Stellantis has motivation to continue building the Durango for families. Families can now consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee L or the Jeep Wagoneer if they need something with a third row. 

The 2021 Durango vs. the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 

You can get started in the 2021 Dodge Durango for about $33,877. However, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L begins at around $37,580. So, we would like the Durango to stay to have a more affordable family option. 

The Durango comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8 for 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Also, the 6.4-liter V8 pumps out 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. You can go for the 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 for 710 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque as well. 

With the Grand Cherokee L, you get a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. This is on par with the standard Durango engine. You can upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8 engine for 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. 

Because the Grand Cherokee is known for the Trackhawk trim, we wouldn’t be surprised if it gained a supercharged Hellcat engine. Also, a 4xe hybrid powertrain should be in the works. 

When properly equipped, the Durango can tow up to 8,700 lbs. That’s a pretty impressive number that’s great for hauling trailers and campers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L can tow up to 7,200 lbs. 

Does the Grand Cherokee L or Durango have better features? 

White 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L parked next to a forest
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L | Jeep

The 2021 Dodge Durango comes with an 8.4-inch infotainment system that can be upgraded to a 10.1-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. But the 2021 Grand Cherokee L has a 10.1-inch screen and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Plus, the Grand Cherokee L provides more standard safety features. It comes with standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control are included too. 

While the Durango could be replaced by another Dodge option, we aren’t certain what the future holds. Until then, it seems like Stellantis is more interested in Jeep models and going hybrid. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.