2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that defined the SUV aesthetic, especially if one wasn't considering a Jeep Wrangler. This design contributed significantly to its enduring success, as it straddled the line between mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV categories. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk versions. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with premium materials, though the design was beginning to show its age with outdated switchgear and component fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced a longer body to accommodate third-row seating, making it 29 centimetres longer than the standard model. This extension was seamlessly integrated, giving the L a more complete look. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was a step up, offering dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, creating a luxurious feel akin to a Mercedes. The spacious cabin, even in the third row, and the attention to detail in the interior design made it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 was available, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, while the tight turning radius and effective brakes made it practical for daily driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered the same engine options, but the V6 felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V8, available on higher trims, provided 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, offering a more satisfying driving experience. The V6's fuel efficiency was decent, rated at 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with a stellar ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L was optimized for on-road comfort, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and leather-wrapped panels. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee provided 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 1,934 litres when the second-row seats were folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior was spacious, with ample room in all rows, including the third row. The second-row seats were captain's chairs, with a 60/40 split bench available. A panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's airy feel, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow. The Grand Cherokee L offered a large central cubby and wireless phone charging, with a focus on practicality and comfort for long journeys.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with fast response times and pleasing graphics. The Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing excellent sound quality. The Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," focusing on essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology, with upper trims featuring massage modes, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect 5 system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids as standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera for monitoring the second and third rows. The McIntosh audio system on the Summit Reserve provided good sound quality, though not as impressive as the system in the Grand Wagoneer.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance, with the ProTech II Package standard on the Summit trim.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Summit trims included additional safety features like automatic parking and intersection collision assist.