For 30 years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the company’s first-ever unibody SUV, and it immediately became the darling of its class. This week, Jeep Philippines finally launched its long-wheelbase version of the midsize SUV in our market.

First debuted in 2021, the Grand Cherokee L is the three-row model of the lineup that has apparently been requested by fans for a long time. Underneath the hood is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that has been in several Chrysler products, producing 282hp and 334Nm with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As for the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and the 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid 4xe options, no plans for their arrival were announced.

It wouldn’t be a true Jeep without the brand’s well-known 4×4 capabilities with the Quadra-Trac I 4WD system and the Selec-Terrain toggle to choose various conditions. Planted to the ground are a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion tires for a smooth overlanding experience. Safety features such as hill-start assist, advanced brake assist, and blind-spot and cross-path detection work in tandem for on- and off-road assurance.

On the flip side, the creature comforts that cater to families are obviously present. The 127mm extension from the two-row Grand Cherokee offers enough legroom for adults and children alike, and up to 2,395L of trunk capacity with both row of seats folded down. For the tech inside, passengers will get to enjoy the 10.1-inch infotainment display, the nine-speaker system from McIntosh Laboratory, and the heated seats for the front and second rows.

The new Grand Cherokee L starts at P5.49 million, priced close to its Japanese equivalents like the Nissan Patrol and the Toyota Land Cruiser. However, when compared to its closest American rival in the market, the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Jeep is a bargain.

Then again, pitting a unibody crossover SUV against body-on-frame behemoths is like comparing apples and oranges. Hence, we cross our fingers for the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer to enter the market one day.