Reading reviews of the 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X reveals strong opinions about its fuel economy and interior space. Many owners praise the Laredo X trim for its value, but they also point out some trade-offs you should know before buying. This review breaks down everything from engine performance to tech features, so you can decide if this SUV fits your life.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X sits in the middle of the lineup. It adds style and comfort without going overboard on price. You get leather-trimmed seats, a bigger touchscreen, and some safety upgrades. But is it worth the extra cash over the base Laredo? Let’s find out.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X Reviews
Engine And Performance
Under the hood, the Laredo X comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine. It makes 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough for daily driving and highway merging. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but it can hesitate sometimes when you need quick power.
Fuel economy is a mixed bag. The EPA rates it at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In real-world driving, most owners report around 18-20 mpg combined. If you drive mostly in the city, expect closer to 17 mpg. That’s not great for a midsize SUV, but it’s average for this class.
- Engine: 3.6L V6, 295 hp
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- MPG: 19 city / 26 highway (EPA)
- Real-world combined: 18-20 mpg
- Towing capacity: 6,200 lbs (properly equipped)
Off-road capability is decent but not hardcore. The Laredo X comes with rear-wheel drive as standard. You can add four-wheel drive for about $2,000 more. The Quadra-Trac I system is simple but effective for light trails and snow. If you want serious rock crawling, look at the Trailhawk trim instead.
Interior And Comfort
Step inside, and the Laredo X feels more upscale than the base model. You get leather-trimmed seats that are comfortable for long trips. The front seats have power adjustments and heating. Rear seat room is tight for three adults, but two adults can sit back there without complaining.
Cargo space is average for the class. You get 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Fold the seats down, and that expands to 68.3 cubic feet. That’s less than the Honda Passport or Ford Edge. The load floor is also a bit high, making it harder to lift heavy items.
- Leather-trimmed seats with heating
- Power driver seat with lumbar support
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Rear cargo cover and storage bin
Build quality is generally good, but some owners report squeaks and rattles after a few months. The plastics on the lower dashboard feel cheap. Still, for the price, the interior is a step up from the base Laredo. The Laredo X also adds ambient lighting and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Technology And Infotainment
The Laredo X comes with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. It runs Uconnect, which is one of the best systems in the industry. The screen responds quickly, and the menus are easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. You also get a 6-speaker audio system that sounds okay but not great.
Navigation is optional. If you want it, you’ll need to add the Technology Group package. That also brings a 9-speaker Alpine sound system, which is much better. The base audio system lacks bass and clarity at higher volumes.
- 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth streaming
- USB ports (2 front, 2 rear)
- Available Alpine premium audio
The digital instrument cluster is a 7-inch display. It’s clear and customizable. You can see navigation directions, audio info, and vehicle settings. The steering wheel controls are intuitive. Some drivers wish the display was larger, but it works fine for most tasks.
Safety And Driver Assistance
Standard safety features are basic. You get a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are not standard. You need to add the Safety Group package for those. That also includes adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. The IIHS gave it Good scores in most crash tests. But the headlights were rated Poor on some trims. The Laredo X gets acceptable headlights, which is better but still not great.
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rearview camera
- Available forward collision warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
Parking sensors are not standard. You’ll need the Parking Assist package for front and rear sensors. The rearview camera has guidelines, but the image quality is just average. In low light, the camera struggles to show clear details.
Ride Quality And Handling
The Grand Cherokee rides smoothly on the highway. It absorbs bumps well, and the cabin stays quiet at 70 mph. Around town, the ride is a bit firm over potholes. The steering is light and easy to park, but it lacks feedback at higher speeds.
Body roll is noticeable in corners. This is a tall SUV, so it leans more than a car-based crossover. The brakes feel strong and progressive. Stopping distances are average for the class. If you drive aggressively, the fuel economy drops quickly.
- Smooth highway ride
- Firm around-town feel
- Noticeable body roll in corners
- Light steering for easy parking
- Average braking performance
The four-wheel-drive version adds stability in rain and light snow. The system sends power to the rear wheels normally and shifts to the front when needed. It’s not as sophisticated as Subaru’s system, but it works well enough for most weather conditions.
Reliability And Common Issues
Owner reviews mention a few common problems. The most frequent issue is the Uconnect system freezing or restarting randomly. Some owners report transmission hesitation when accelerating from a stop. A few have had problems with the power liftgate not closing properly.
Jeep’s warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper. The powertrain warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles. That’s standard for the industry. Some owners complain about dealer service quality, but that varies by location.
- Uconnect system glitches
- Transmission hesitation
- Power liftgate issues
- Interior rattles over time
- Some paint quality complaints
If you buy used, check the service history. Look for regular oil changes and transmission fluid changes. The 3.6L V6 is generally reliable if maintained properly. Avoid examples with multiple electrical problems reported by previous owners.
Value And Pricing
The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X started at around $38,000 new. Used examples now sell for $28,000 to $35,000 depending on mileage and condition. That’s competitive with the Ford Edge and Honda Passport. The Laredo X holds its value reasonably well, losing about 40% after 5 years.
Compared to the base Laredo, the X trim adds about $3,000 in value. You get leather seats, a bigger screen, and better styling. If you find a used Laredo X with the Safety Group package, it’s a good deal. That package adds the safety features most buyers want.
- New MSRP: ~$38,000
- Used price: $28,000 – $35,000
- Depreciation: ~40% after 5 years
- Best value: Laredo X with Safety Group
- Competitors: Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is more off-road capable but gets worse fuel economy. The Honda Passport has more cargo space and better reliability ratings. The Ford Edge is cheaper but less refined. The Grand Cherokee Laredo X strikes a balance between style, comfort, and capability.
Pros And Cons Summary
Here’s a quick list of what owners like and dislike about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X.
Pros:
- Upscale interior for the price
- Strong V6 engine with good towing capacity
- Smooth highway ride
- User-friendly Uconnect system
- Good off-road ability with 4WD
Cons:
- Below-average fuel economy
- Limited rear seat and cargo space
- Basic standard safety features
- Some interior quality issues
- Transmission can hesitate
Overall, the Laredo X is a solid choice if you value style and comfort over fuel economy. It’s not the most practical SUV in its class, but it has character and capability that some rivals lack.
Who Should Buy The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X
This SUV works best for singles, couples, or small families. If you frequently carry three adults in the back, look at the Honda Passport instead. The Laredo X is also good for light towing. You can pull a small trailer or boat without issues.
If fuel economy is your top priority, consider a hybrid or smaller SUV. The Grand Cherokee drinks gas, especially in city driving. But if you want a comfortable, stylish SUV with decent off-road chops, the Laredo X delivers.
For daily commuting, the ride is comfortable enough. The tech features are easy to use. The safety features are adequate if you get the optional packages. Just be aware of the fuel costs and limited rear space.
Final Verdict
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is a good mid-range trim. It adds luxury touches without breaking the bank. The engine is strong, the interior is comfortable, and the Uconnect system is excellent. But the fuel economy is poor, and the safety tech is not standard.
If you find a used Laredo X with the Safety Group and Technology Group packages, it’s a great value. You get most of the features from higher trims at a lower price. Just check for common issues like Uconnect glitches and transmission hesitation before you buy.
Overall, the 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X earns a solid recommendation for buyers who prioritize style and comfort. It’s not perfect, but it’s a compelling package in the midsize SUV segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X Reliable?
Yes, generally reliable with proper maintenance. Common issues include Uconnect glitches and transmission hesitation. Most owners report few problems in the first few years.
Does The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X Have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the Laredo X trim. They work through the 8.4-inch touchscreen.
How Much Can A 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X Tow?
With the V6 engine and towing package, it can tow up to 6,200 pounds. Without the package, the limit is 5,000 pounds.
What Is The Difference Between Laredo And Laredo X?
The Laredo X adds leather seats, heated front seats, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also has unique exterior styling.
Is The 2021 Grand Cherokee Laredo X Good In Snow?
Yes, especially with four-wheel drive. The Quadra-Trac I system provides good traction in snow and light off-road conditions.