The Lowest Rated 3-Row SUV Is Also the Most Expensive
Not many vehicles can do the job of an SUV with three rows. That extra row is priceless if you need space for passengers and cargo. However, this year’s lowest-rated three-row SUV is one of the most expensive options. If this Jeep was a top pick for your next sport utility vehicle, there are higher-rated options from Honda, Kia, and Hyundai.
Why is the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L the lowest-rated three-row SUV?
When Edmunds ranked the three-row SUVs on the market for this year, 13 options made the cut. At the end of that list was the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. What did the Grand Cherokee L do to end up the lowest-rated three-row SUV? During testing, the SUV only racked up enough points for an “average” score.
An MSRP of $41,000 to $68,155 also makes the Grand Cherokee L one of the most expensive options in the category. The Grand Cherokee L is exceptionally roomy and has one of the longest wheelbases on the market. Drivers can select from the base 3.6L V6 trim or the 5.7L V8. It is off-road capable and can tow up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine and 7,200 pounds with the V8.
Visibility isn’t going to be great in a 17-foot-long SUV, but it does make the Jeep a bit harder to maneuver. The fuel economy is also dismal, working out to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the V6. That drops even more if you opt for the stronger V8 engine.
The lowest-rated three-row SUV fell short on interior comfort
The lowest-rated three-row SUV also fell short on cabin noise. During testing, it was loud in the cabin, and the V6 was noticeable while accelerating. While there is plenty of room for passengers, it can be hard to get in and out. Up front, the buttons are made with glossy black plastic that shows every smudge. For the high cost, features like this do not elevate the Jeep. The buttons and dials are too small and are not easy to use. Other dials block some buttons, and it makes using the controls frustrating.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, but neither worked as seamlessly as expected. CarPlay dropped calls and disconnected a few times without warning. The visibility problem is noted again but looking out the windshield. The hood, pillars, and cameras occupy a lot of space and leave some blind spots.
The good news is that the Jeep Grand Cherokee still looks stylish and comfortable enough. It might not be the right sport utility vehicle for all customers, but it offers plenty of space. The Grand Cherokee L also outperformed an off-road focused trim of the competition recently.
Check out what the competition has to offer
While this was the lowest-rated three-row SUV, the top of the list has some less expensive and better options. The 2023 Kia Telluride has high ratings from most outlets and has an MSRP of $35,890 to $52,985. Kia packs the Telluride with technology, features, and systems that make it easier to maneuver and park.
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade ranges from $35,900 to $51,750 and has plenty of space for eight passengers. It gets similar power and fuel economy but has higher scores from experts and passengers. Even the 2023 Honda Pilot has better features at a lower cost.
Perhaps the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is in the wrong segment, as it is up against some best-selling vehicles out of all new cars. It falls short in a few areas that make it less of a value, especially considering the competition. For those wanting a spacious Jeep Grand Cherokee, this might check all your boxes. Others might be happy with one of its competitors.
