2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of near-luxury and innovative design. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, offering a cohesive and elegant design. Its exterior featured a tailored two-box design with short overhangs, an upright grille with the iconic iron mark logo, and Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of such technology, and the cabin's attention to detail, from the HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, adhered to Jeep's design traditions while introducing modern elements. Its styling drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise of capability or comfort. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with a focus on quality and comfort. The Summit Reserve trim stood out with premium leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof, while the base Laredo provided a sense of substance and quality despite its simplicity.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for up to 31 kilometres of electric-only driving. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 had a towing capacity of 2,812 kg, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kg. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim, equipped with Quadra-Drive II, excelled in off-road conditions with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 14.1 L/100 km combined for the V8 to 11.3 L/100 km for the V6.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system adept at handling winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, while the cargo area offered 613 litres of space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was 1,587 kg.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee prioritized driver and passenger comfort, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims added features like ventilated seats and massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence, especially off-road. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,004 litres with the seats folded. Rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L provided more legroom.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a tablet-style touchpad interface that divided the screen into function quadrants. While intuitive for some, it required a learning curve. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, with features like a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options like a McIntosh audio system and a front passenger interactive display.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's safety heritage, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive package of ADAS, with a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. It included standard blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and Active Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected in 2022.