Comparison Guide for Southern Vermont Drivers

 

If you are shopping for a midsize luxury SUV in Southern Vermont, the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup offers performance, comfort, and legendary 4x4 capability. At Stephens of Bennington, local drivers often ask us: What is the difference between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L?

The core distinction comes down to size, seating capacity, and cargo volume. The standard Jeep Grand Cherokee is a classic two-row SUV built for agile daily driving and adventurous weekends. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L expands on that platform with a extended wheelbase and a third row to accommodate larger families and bigger gear loads.

Direct Comparison: Key Specifications

 

Specification	Jeep Grand Cherokee (2-Row)	Jeep Grand Cherokee L (3-Row)
Seating Capacity	Up to 5 passengers	Up to 6 or 7 passengers
Number of Seating Rows	2 rows	3 rows
Overall Vehicle Length	193.5 inches	204.9 inches
Wheelbase	116.7 inches	121.7 inches
Max Cargo Space (Seats Folded)	Up to 70.8 cu. ft.	Up to 84.6 cu. ft.
Cargo Space Behind Rear Row	37.7 cu. ft.	17.2 cu. ft. (Behind 3rd row)
Standard Engine	3.6L Pentastar® V6 (293 hp)	3.6L Pentastar® V6 (293 hp)
Max Towing Capacity	Up to 6,200 lbs	Up to 7,200 lbs (V8 / class-leading)

1. Seating & Interior Dimensions

Jeep Grand Cherokee (2-Row)

 

Designed for single drivers, couples, and smaller families, the two-row Grand Cherokee provides generous space across two rows of seating.

• Passenger Volume: 145 cu. ft.

• Rear Legroom: 38.2 inches

• Best For: Daily commutes, maneuverability in downtown parking lots, and outdoor gear storage without extra seating bulk.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L (3-Row)

 

The extended Grand Cherokee L introduces a spacious third row. You can choose between a second-row bench (7-passenger seating) or second-row captain’s chairs (6-passenger seating with easy center-aisle pass-through).

• Passenger Volume: 152 cu. ft.

• Third-Row Legroom: 30.3 inches

• Best For: Carpooling kids to school sports, family road trips, and extra seating flexibility.

2. Cargo Capacity & Utility

 

Both models feature split-folding rear seats, but the extended body of the Grand Cherokee L provides maximum total volume:

• Grand Cherokee: Offers 37.7 cu. ft. of space behind the second row. Lower the second row to open up 70.8 cu. ft. of total flat storage space.

• Grand Cherokee L: Provides 17.2 cu. ft. behind the third row. Folding the third row yields 46.9 cu. ft., and folding both the second and third rows expands overall cargo capacity to 84.6 cu. ft.

3. Maneuverability & Trail Capability

 

Whether navigating snowed-in mountain passes or parking in tight downtown spaces, body dimensions play a role:

• Shorter Wheelbase (Grand Cherokee): At 193.5 inches in total length, the standard two-row model is easier to parallel park, handle in tight urban driveways, and navigate tight off-road trail switchbacks.

• Extended Wheelbase (Grand Cherokee L): Measuring 204.9 inches long, the extra 11.4 inches of length delivers a smoother, more stable ride on long interstate cruises while still offering available Quadra-Trac® 4WD systems for New England winter weather.

Which SUV Right For Your Tri-State Lifestyle?

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if:

 

• You prioritize easier parking and tighter turning radiuses.

• You rarely need seating for more than 5 passengers.

• You want maximum usable rear cargo room without managing a third-row seat.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if:

 

• You regularly transport family, friends, or carpool groups.

• You need maximum total cargo volume (84.6 cu. ft.) for ski gear, camping equipment, or luggage.

• You prefer second-row captain's chairs or dedicated third-row air vents and charging ports.

Serving Bennington, VT & Surrounding Communities

 

At Stephens of Bennington, we proudly serve drivers across Southwestern Vermont, Western Massachusetts, and Eastern New York. Whether you are driving down US Route 7 or commuting over the mountain on Route 9, our team is here to help you test drive both models side-by-side.

We regularly serve customers throughout Bennington County and surrounding areas within a 50-mile radius, including:

• Southern & Central Vermont: Bennington, North Bennington, Shaftsbury, Pownal, Arlington, Manchester, Dorset, Sunderland, Woodford, Searsburg, Readsboro, Stamford, Peru, Winhall, Brattleboro, and Rutland.

• Western Massachusetts: Williamstown, North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, and Greenfield.

• Eastern New York: Hoosick Falls, Cambridge, Troy, Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, and Schenectady.

Test Drive the Grand Cherokee & Grand Cherokee L at Stephens of Bennington

 

Ready to feel the difference behind the wheel? Visit Stephens of Bennington at our showroom in Bennington, VT. Explore our current vehicle inventory, compare trim levels, and consult with our finance team on current lease and purchasing options.

• Dealer Name: Stephens of Bennington

• Location: Bennington, VT

• Services: New & Pre-Owned Sales, Jeep Service & Parts, Flexible Financing