WL Nice subtle changes over WK2

3613 Views 51 Replies 18 Participants Last post by hobbie1, 4 mo ago

jeep2011

Discussion Starter · 4 mo ago

Still finding minor changes that are much improved over the previous gen.

This weekend I noticed...

1. The front camera in the windshield has heat strips in front of it now to defrost the cameras view.

2. The power windows are smoother and really quiet compared to the WK2's.

What are others you've noticed?

21 - 40 of 52 Posts

jkasch

· #21 · 4 mo ago

Matt_H said:
The WK2 definitely drives sportier and is much more spry. The WL drives much more supple, composed, and smoother. I had a 2016 and a 2019 WK2, and noticed the differences when test driving the WL multiple times. Getting back in the WK2 always felt like a much more agile vehicle. But the WL soaks up the miles and bumps much better.

Agree that the WK2 feels nimbler, but I don't believe it actually is. The 2 row WL is lighter and has a lower center of gravity. I guess a slalom and a skid pad using the same tires would be required for proof.

Matt_H

· #22 · 4 mo ago

I should have mentioned going from the WK2 to the WL75. I’m sure the wheelbase makes it feel less nimble yet more stable.

Reactions: 2

Pioneer4x4

· #23 · 4 mo ago

Going from my 2012 Overland to a 2021 Summit L, they "feel" totally different to me. BUT, I believe a LOT of that is because I also went to something that cost me $45,000 - $50,000 more in value. I think I instinctively drive it more "protectively"
My 2012 was bought as a 3rd vehicle "beater", then it got traded in along with a nicer car on the new Summit L. So the new one is both my "Jeep" and one of 2 "Nice Cars". (not that the 2012 wasn't nice, it was very nice).
In 2 months I went from
2012 JCG Overland
2018 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription
2018 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker
to
New 2021 JCG Summit L
CPO 2019 Volvo S90 T8 Inscription

RocketTR

· #24 · 4 mo ago

When the 2011 Grand Cherokee came out, I immediately loved the new look. Such a big improvement over the prior generation. Then the facelift in 2014 was initially a bit disappointing. But when they updated that facelift again in 2016 and got rid of those little "pockets" under the headlights, I think that's when they finally nailed the WK2 design. To my eyes, it was by far the best looking Grand Cherokee ever made. Especially ones with the dark grills and trim replacing any of the normal brightwork.

I thought for sure Jeep would mess up the next generation because it would be so difficult to improve upon. But honestly, I think the WL is a perfect progression of the WK2 design. To me, it looks very similar, but just updated in many ways. I'm not a huge fan of the long wheelbase L because the proportions seem a little goofy to me, but I still think the WL is a good looking Grand Cherokee and I'll most likely get one to replace my WK2 some day.

Ironically, I have a WK2 Trailhawk and I don't like the way the WL Trailhawk looks at all. So I'll most likely end up with a WL Overland or maybe a Summit Reserve.

See less See more

Reactions: 1

hobbie1

· #25 · 4 mo ago

RocketTR said:
When the 2011 Grand Cherokee came out, I immediately loved the new look. Such a big improvement over the prior generation. Then the facelift in 2014 was initially a bit disappointing. But when they updated that facelift again in 2016 and got rid of those little "pockets" under the headlights, I think that's when they finally nailed the WK2 design. To my eyes, it was by far the best looking Grand Cherokee ever made. Especially ones with the dark grills and trim replacing any of the normal brightwork.

I thought for sure Jeep would mess up the next generation because it would be so difficult to improve upon. But honestly, I think the WL is a perfect progression of the WK2 design. To me, it looks very similar, but just updated in many ways. I'm not a huge fan of the long wheelbase L because the proportions seem a little goofy to me, but I still think the WL is a good looking Grand Cherokee and I'll most likely get one to replace my WK2 some day.

Ironically, I have a WK2 Trailhawk and I don't like the way the WL Trailhawk looks at all. So I'll most likely end up with a WL Overland or maybe a Summit Reserve.

It grows on you after you see it up close. I preferred the looks of our 2015 Summit till I got up close on the WL. The win is the interior of the WL.

Matt_H

· #26 · 4 mo ago

RocketTR said:
When the 2011 Grand Cherokee came out, I immediately loved the new look. Such a big improvement over the prior generation. Then the facelift in 2014 was initially a bit disappointing. But when they updated that facelift again in 2016 and got rid of those little "pockets" under the headlights, I think that's when they finally nailed the WK2 design. To my eyes, it was by far the best looking Grand Cherokee ever made. Especially ones with the dark grills and trim replacing any of the normal brightwork.

I thought for sure Jeep would mess up the next generation because it would be so difficult to improve upon. But honestly, I think the WL is a perfect progression of the WK2 design. To me, it looks very similar, but just updated in many ways. I'm not a huge fan of the long wheelbase L because the proportions seem a little goofy to me, but I still think the WL is a good looking Grand Cherokee and I'll most likely get one to replace my WK2 some day.

Ironically, I have a WK2 Trailhawk and I don't like the way the WL Trailhawk looks at all. So I'll most likely end up with a WL Overland or maybe a Summit Reserve.

Agree that the evolution of the WK2 was great. I really feel it was the best at the end, all little tweaks being done.

I do also think the long wheelbase WL looks a bit different given it has to have different proportions. But overall I like the WL design, except the rear quarter of the long wheelbase. it's a bit squatty with a lot of overhang - the 2-row does not suffer from this. But again, it's still good looking to me. Just pointing out the one aspect that I think could have been done better.

Reactions: 1

RocketTR

· #27 · 4 mo ago

hobbie1 said:
It grows on you after you see it up close. I preferred the looks of our 2015 Summit till I got up close on the WL. The win is the interior of the WL.

Doesn't need to grow on me....I liked it from the beginning. I'm not sure that you read my comment, unless you're referencing the long wheelbase version.

Reactions: 1

hobbie1

· #28 · 4 mo ago

RocketTR said:
Doesn't need to grow on me....I liked it from the beginning. I'm not sure that you read my comment, unless you're referencing the long wheelbase version.

Sorry that was from my perspective. Since we got ours we get a lot of Likes. But I will say by far everyone comments first on how great the interior looks. And they all like the massage seats.

RocketTR

· #29 · 4 mo ago

hobbie1 said:
Sorry that was from my perspective. Since we got ours we get a lot of Likes. But I will say by far everyone comments first on how great the interior looks. And they all like the massage seats.

The interior is incredible on the WL.

Reactions: 1

Crosshairs

· #30 · 4 mo ago

hobbie1 said:
Sorry that was from my perspective. Since we got ours we get a lot of Likes. But I will say by far everyone comments first on how great the interior looks. And they all like the massage seats.

God help you if there is ever a problem with the seats ....here is what's behind the rear trim panel ..dont let your kids kick the seats..

Computer cooling Circuit component Product Electric fan Passive circuit component

See less See more

Reactions: 3

f1anatic

· #31 · 4 mo ago

Crosshairs said:
God help you if there is ever a problem with the seats ....here is what's behind the rear trim panel ..dont let your kids kick the seats..

God gives the buyer the wisdom to buy extended warranty and provides the finances necessary to make that happen.

As for the general presence of massage seats in cars, good ergonomics are hyper important. I interpret it as adjustable. Anything that can put me to sleep or place me in a state of "torpor" is no go.

Reactions: 1

RocketTR

· #32 · 4 mo ago

Crosshairs said:
God help you if there is ever a problem with the seats ....here is what's behind the rear trim panel ..dont let your kids kick the seats..

View attachment 247815

Damn.....lots of stuff in there. But seriously, I think massaging seats is one of those things that if it breaks while not covered by the warranty, will most likely be left broken. Especially if it turns out to be an expensive repair.

Reactions: 2

Dwight

· #33 · 4 mo ago

hobbie1 said:
We have a 2023 Overland 4Xe - super quiet, very smooth and mileage has been great - have driven combo of freeway and around town. Mileage is upper 30's to low 40's. From the dealer day 1 - the average says 29.6. Other favorite things, Night Vision, Massage Seats, McIntosh Audio and extensive adjustments for the seats. Fit and finish over our 2015 Summit Eco Diesel - WL is a way better product.
Having said that the 2022 Overland V6 we bought was a mess. FCA did us right -they bought it back.
Not counting the 2022 this is our 8th Grand Cherokee. First. one was a 1996. - then 98, 99, 2001, 2005, 2011, 2015 and now the 2023.
2nd favorite was the 15 Eco Diesel. The diesel prices and it being 7 years old pushed us to the new one.

I just got a 2023 which replaced my 2015 Eco Diesel. I loved the diesel power and range. Read too much about spun bearings and was starting to have way to many regens. I was starting to worry anytime I was in traffic that a regen warning would appear.

Reactions: 1

Dbalsam

· #34 · 4 mo ago

My two-row WL SR rides and handles SO much better than my WK2 Overland. The way it soaks up bumps yet stays pretty flat in turns is impressive for the size and weight. My Overland always felt like a heavy boat with big leaning in turns and nose diving at stoplights. That annoyed me. I was worried having the SR with 21's that it might ride rough. Not at all. No one above has mentioned brakes either. The braking in the WL seems so much stronger vs. my WK2. Even before I traded my WK2 in I had newer calipers and rotors/pads all the way around as two calipers were starting to lock and destroyed the rotors. Still weak braking compared to WL. When I have to stop at light quickly coming down from 60mph it is no worries now and stops quickly. I too am getting used to the exterior looks as I was a big WK2 fan. I am surprised the number of friends and strangers that have come up to me and made comments on how nice looking my WL is. I never had anyone walk up to me in the WK2. I have the Zynith Silver with black top contrast so maybe that draws more attention?? Not sure. A few thought it resemebled a Range Rover. Crazy... Anyway, I have 12,000 miles on mine now and have had zero issues with it electronically or anything else. I am loving it and have had put it through heavy snow and blizzards, highway road trips, gravel roads, rutted muddy two-track roads and it has been flawless. The only negative I have notcied is the lower sensors can get covered in snow easily which then cuts off the cruise and other tech goodies. Real world problems I know...

See less See more

Reactions: 1

oldmac1

· #35 · 4 mo ago

I loved my 2018 High Altitude and intended to keep it forever, then I ran into my WL74 and I still love the 2018 Wk2 as a great car but it is not a WL. This car corners extremely well, brakes that actually can stop quickly, comfort and ride. Not one regret on buying this WL, and expect to be much happier keeping this one forever.

Reactions: 2

phil hunter

· #36 · 4 mo ago

I'm sure it's a great vehicle but, it's going to take a lot of growing for me. Here's hoping the WL2 comes sooner rather than later. I must admit the interior is great though.

f1anatic

· #37 · 4 mo ago

phil hunter said:
I'm sure it's a great vehicle but, it's going to take a lot of growing for me. Here's hoping the WL2 comes sooner rather than later. I must admit the interior is great though.

You realize that WK2 was made between 2011 and 2022 (11 years) with a facelift/tech/drivetrain upgrade in 2014 and a tech upgrade in 2018. You will be waiting for WL2 = WM a LOOONG time...

Four Litre Beater

· #38 · 4 mo ago

f1anatic said:
God gives the buyer the wisdom to buy extended warranty and provides the finances necessary to make that happen.

As for the general presence of massage seats in cars, good ergonomics are hyper important. I interpret it as adjustable. Anything that can put me to sleep or place me in a state of "torpor" is no go.

So you don’t like the massage seats….. 🧐
The massage seats are one of my personal favourite upgrades. I even cross shopped the Lincoln aviator and I found the Jeep massage to be stronger.

I guess they may not be for everyone but if you’re trying to convince yourself you did the right thing by not getting them…I’m here to tell you they are worth every penny.

they don’t put you to sleep anymore than a heated seat.
They simply make you more comfortable.. nobody would recommend a less comfortable seat so that you can stay awake longer..

That’s like saying “ I skipped on the night vision so I could keep my eyes on the road 100% of the time” 🙄

f1anatic

· #39 · 4 mo ago

Four Litre Beater said:
I guess they may not be for everyone but if you’re trying to convince yourself you did the right thing by not getting them…I’m here to tell you they are worth every penny.

I have the full massage chair treatment at home and when I use it I fall asleep rapidly. So no...I know myself better.
The other thing I would not have gotten, if it was an option, was ventilated seats. We use them in the WK2, but not enough to convince me to never buy another car without.
I am glad I was able to avoid the sunroof. I used it 3 times in nearly 10 years and it was in the first year only. It adds complexity, weight (affecting the Cg) and can leak, as others have already experienced.

I wear polarized Wiley X. HUD would have been something to use...exclusively at night. At the end of the day another 5-6 grand would not have been a dealer killer. If I wanted more car, I would have gotten more car. I didn't because I didn't want.

I have night vision. I do not really use it. I sometimes enable it just so that it can warn me upon detection, but I do not drive with the thermal vision showing on the screen. It is too distracting.

Four Litre Beater

· #40 · 4 mo ago

f1anatic said:
I have the full massage chair treatment at home and when I use it I fall asleep rapidly. So no...I know myself better.
The other thing I would not have gotten, if it was an option, was ventilated seats. We use them in the WK2, but not enough to convince me to never buy another car without.
I am glad I was able to avoid the sunroof. I used it 3 times in nearly 10 years and it was in the first year only. It adds complexity, weight (affecting the Cg) and can leak, as others have already experienced.

I wear polarized Wiley X. HUD would have been something to use...exclusively at night. At the end of the day another 5-6 grand would not have been a dealer killer. If I wanted more car, I would have gotten more car. I didn't because I didn't want.

I have night vision. I do not really use it. I sometimes enable it just so that it can warn me upon detection, but I do not drive with the thermal vision showing on the screen. It is too distracting.

we can agree to disagree.
I like the progression and raised standards in the WL.
I suppose the ambient lighting causes a glare that makes night driving dangerous and heads up display strains the eyes and pulls focus away from the road?
different strokes for different folks

i have no use for the hands free driving that’s rumoured, so I can see my thinking aligning more with yours as we move towards a less driver focused world. Eventually I’ll be cursing technology too.

21 - 40 of 52 Posts