2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. Controls were smartly grouped by function, and the design unity was pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, were used throughout, with crisp lines where materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather upholstery.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant SUV, instantly recognizable as a Jeep from any angle. It was 29 centimetres longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating third-row seats. The wheelbase stretched 12.7 cm for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were classic Jeep, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, enhancing the design.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offered a luxurious experience, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating. The interior layout was reminiscent of a Mercedes, with tactile quality and style. Even in all-black, the interior provided enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable. The lighter tan leather option required extra care from passengers. The Grand Cherokee L was a properly luxurious vehicle.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with the crossover’s 4,665-lb curb weight, delivered convincing acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved impressive fuel efficiency, with 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service.

The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD. It offered modes for driving on battery power only, reserving battery power, or automatic hybrid mode. The speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and four-wheel independent suspension provided good handling, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, 4WD was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs and resulting in engine noise. The V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, provided a more satisfying performance.

Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined. The V8 was less efficient, at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was stellar, with ride composure and steering feel that were taut and direct. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L was capable on rough roads, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kg.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with the battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and optional ventilation. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward graphics. Physical switches separated climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions from the touchscreen, providing ease of use. The central rotary shifter was intuitive, and there was ample storage, including a wireless phone charging bin and a large central cubby. The Grand Cherokee L offered spacious seating in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. A panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The customizable instrument panel offered three views: classic, sport, and dynamic. The cabin featured colour/mood-adjustable LED ambient lighting. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers and a 16-channel/755-watt amplifier was standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and UConnect supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.