The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X review starts with a simple truth: this trim level offers a rare mix of upscale features without the luxury price tag. If you want a capable SUV that feels more premium than the base model, the Laredo X is a smart pick. It sits right between the entry-level Laredo and the sporty Altitude, giving you extra style and comfort for not much more money.
You get things like leather-trimmed seats, a bigger touchscreen, and unique exterior accents. But does it still handle off-road trails? And is it worth the extra cash over the standard Laredo? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this trim.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X Review
This trim was introduced to bridge a gap in the lineup. It takes the practical bones of the Laredo and adds visual and interior upgrades that make it feel more special. Think of it as the “luxury-lite” version of the Grand Cherokee.
Under the hood, you get the same reliable 3.6-liter V6 engine. It produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty for daily driving and light towing. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, whether you’re cruising on the highway or crawling over rocks.
Fuel economy is decent for a midsize SUV. You can expect around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. Opt for four-wheel drive, and those numbers drop slightly to 18 city and 25 highway.
Exterior Design And Styling Upgrades
The Laredo X stands out from the regular Laredo thanks to a few key visual changes. It gets unique 18-inch aluminum wheels with a Granite Crystal finish. The grille is also finished in a darker shade, giving the front end a more aggressive look.
You also get body-color door handles and a power liftgate as standard. The roof rails are bright silver, which adds a touch of class. Overall, the design is clean and modern without being over the top. It’s a look that works well for both city streets and weekend adventures.
Here are the main exterior features you get on the Laredo X:
- 18-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels
- Dark grille with black accents
- Body-color door handles
- Power liftgate
- Bright roof rails
- Automatic halogen headlights
- Fog lights
Interior Comfort And Premium Touches
Step inside, and you’ll notice the biggest difference between the Laredo X and the base Laredo. The seats are wrapped in perforated leather with contrast stitching. They look and feel more upscale than the cloth seats in the standard model.
The front seats are heated, which is a nice bonus for cold mornings. The driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustment, so you can find your perfect driving position easily. The rear seats are spacious enough for two adults, though three might feel a bit tight on longer trips.
Cargo space is generous. You get 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. That’s enough for a weekend’s worth of gear or a trip to the home improvement store.
Here’s a quick list of interior highlights:
- Perforated leather-trimmed seats
- Heated front seats
- Eight-way power driver seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
Technology And Infotainment System
The Laredo X comes with the Uconnect 4 system, which is one of the best infotainment setups in the business. It features an 8.4-inch touchscreen that responds quickly and is easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, so you can connect your phone seamlessly.
You also get a six-speaker audio system that sounds decent for most listeners. If you want better sound, you can upgrade to the nine-speaker Alpine system. Satellite radio and Bluetooth are included, along with two USB ports in the front.
The instrument cluster includes a 7-inch display between the gauges. It shows trip info, fuel economy, and off-road data if you have the four-wheel-drive system. The overall tech package feels modern and user-friendly.
Key tech features include:
- 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth streaming
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- 7-inch driver information display
- Two front USB ports
Performance And Driving Experience
The 3.6-liter V6 is a proven engine. It provides smooth acceleration and enough power for merging onto highways. The eight-speed transmission shifts quickly and keeps the engine in its sweet spot. You won’t feel any hesitation when you step on the gas.
Ride quality is comfortable for a body-on-frame SUV. The suspension absorbs bumps well, and the cabin stays quiet at highway speeds. Steering is light and easy, making parking and maneuvering in tight spots a breeze.
If you opt for four-wheel drive, you get the Quadra-Trac I system. It sends power to all four wheels automatically for better traction in rain, snow, or light off-road conditions. For more serious off-roading, you can upgrade to the Quadra-Trac II system with a low-range gear.
Here’s a quick performance breakdown:
- Engine: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: 295 hp
- Torque: 260 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: around 7.1 seconds
- Max towing: 6,200 lbs (with tow package)
Off-Road Capability
Even in the Laredo X trim, the Grand Cherokee is still a capable off-roader. The standard Quadra-Trac I system gives you good traction on loose surfaces. If you plan to hit trails, the available Quadra-Trac II system adds a low-range gear for crawling over rocks and steep inclines.
Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is enough for most light to moderate trails. The approach angle is 25.7 degrees, and the departure angle is 23.1 degrees. These numbers are decent for a midsize SUV, though not as impressive as the Trailhawk trim.
You also get hill start assist and hill descent control as standard. These features help you maintain control on steep slopes. Overall, the Laredo X can handle dirt roads, gravel, and light off-road trails without breaking a sweat.
Safety Features And Ratings
The 2021 Grand Cherokee comes with a solid set of safety features. Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. You also get forward collision warning with active braking and lane departure warning.
In government crash tests, the Grand Cherokee earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave it good scores in most categories, though the headlights were rated as marginal. Overall, it’s a safe vehicle for families.
Here are the standard safety features:
- Rearview camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning with braking
- Lane departure warning
- Park assist sensors
- Hill start assist
Pricing And Value For Money
The Laredo X starts at around $36,000 for the rear-wheel-drive model. Adding four-wheel drive brings the price up to about $38,000. That’s a good value considering the leather seats, bigger screen, and exterior upgrades you get.
Compared to the base Laredo, you’re paying about $3,000 more. But you get features that would cost much more if added separately. The Altitude trim, which is sportier, starts around $39,000. So the Laredo X sits nicely in the middle.
If you’re looking for a balance of style and affordability, this trim is hard to beat. It gives you a premium feel without pushing into the $40,000-plus range of the Limited or Overland trims.
Pros And Cons
Here’s a quick summary of what we liked and didn’t like about the Laredo X:
Pros:
- Upscale interior with leather seats
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Good fuel economy for its class
- Strong resale value
- Capable off-road with optional 4WD
Cons:
- Third row not available
- Base audio system is just average
- Headlights could be better
- Some cheap plastic trim inside
How It Compares To Rivals
The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X competes with other midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota 4Runner. Here’s how it stacks up:
Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers more cargo space and a third row, but it doesn’t feel as premium inside. The Grand Cherokee has a nicer interior and better off-road capability.
Honda Pilot: The Pilot is more practical with three rows and better fuel economy. But it lacks the ruggedness and towing capacity of the Grand Cherokee.
Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner is more off-road focused but has an outdated interior and worse fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee is more comfortable for daily driving.
Maintenance And Reliability
Jeep has a mixed reputation for reliability, but the Grand Cherokee is one of their more dependable models. The 3.6-liter V6 is known for being durable if you keep up with oil changes and routine maintenance.
Common issues include problems with the cooling system and electrical gremlins in older models. The 2021 model year seems to be relatively trouble-free. Jeep offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
To keep your Laredo X running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
- Change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
- Check the coolant level regularly
- Rotate tires every 6,000 miles
- Replace the cabin air filter annually
- Inspect the brakes at each oil change
Final Verdict
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot for the money. It combines a comfortable ride, a premium interior, and decent off-road ability. If you don’t need a third row and want something that feels more upscale than a base model, this trim is a great choice.
It’s not perfect. The fuel economy is average, and the base audio system could be better. But for the price, you get a lot of value. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading to the mountains, the Laredo X handles it all with ease.
If you’re in the market for a used SUV, this one should be on your short list. It holds its value well and offers a driving experience that feels more expensive than it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Laredo and Laredo X?
The Laredo X adds leather seats, a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and unique exterior styling. It also comes with a power liftgate and upgraded wheels. The base Laredo has cloth seats and a smaller screen.
Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X good for off-roading?
Yes, especially if you get the Quadra-Trac II system with low-range gearing. It has good ground clearance and hill descent control. It can handle light to moderate trails without issues.
Does the Laredo X have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, both are standard on the Laredo X. You can connect your smartphone wirelessly or via USB to access maps, music, and calls.
How much can the Laredo X tow?
With the optional tow package, it can tow up to 6,200 pounds. Without the package, the limit is around 3,500 pounds. Make sure to check your vehicle’s specific rating.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X?
With rear-wheel drive, you get 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. With four-wheel drive, it drops to 18 city and 25 highway. Real-world numbers may vary depending on driving habits.
Overall, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X review shows that this trim is a smart choice for buyers who want a little extra luxury without breaking the bank. It’s a capable, comfortable, and stylish SUV that holds its own in a crowded segment.