2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated with the rest of the Volvo lineup, showcasing signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro touch. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels, along with a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It also featured a distinct rear bumper and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale environment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, offered a third row of seats and more legroom in the second row, thanks to a longer wheelbase. Its design maintained Jeep's recognizable features, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating. The vehicle's tactile quality and style were reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a premium feel. Despite its all-black interior, the design provided enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable and engaged.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. The Recharge model also offered a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, while the V8 offered a more robust 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. The V6's fuel efficiency was rated at 13.0 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 on the highway, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights. It offered five ride height settings and various driving modes, making it versatile for different terrains. The maximum towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, helped compensate for the limited space. The centre console was designed to hold a phone securely, with a wireless charging pad available as an option. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The vehicle offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort during long journeys. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The lack of a start button meant drivers could simply shift out of park to start the vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereo options.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, including the “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. The Recharge model included Volvo’s latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.

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