2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while adding a touch of modern flair. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials and a restrained design. The interior featured matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options, such as wool and Nappa leather, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee adhered to Jeep's design traditions while introducing a fresh take on its classic styling. The new Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, featured a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars reminiscent of the 1963 Wagoneer. The SUV offered a variety of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each with its own unique features. The interior of the Grand Cherokee was well-appointed, with options for premium quilted leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite some reflections on higher trim controls, the Grand Cherokee's interior was both functional and luxurious, offering a comfortable and stylish driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90's power was sufficient, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and it offered a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided 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, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. The V6 offered a towing capacity of 2,812 kg, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kg. The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, catering to different off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was impressive, and the V6 was the preferred engine for its balance of efficiency and performance.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's interior felt spacious, thanks to a power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim offered 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats up, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for front passengers, with heated seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims added ventilated seats and massagers. Visibility was improved, and the panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. Cargo space in the two-row Grand Cherokee was 1,067 litres behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal analog controls. However, the text was difficult to read while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted a wealth of technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment options.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems, with a safety cage composed of high-strength steel and aluminum. Standard features included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning. The new Active Driving Assist system provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.