2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing size and distinctive design elements. Its front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The massive grille and LED lights were scaled to match the Escalade's size, while the taillights echoed the classic Cadillac tailfins. The Escalade's styling set it apart from other GM full-size SUVs, emphasizing its bulk. The vehicle offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim and wheels, and the Sport trim showcasing darkened trim and a mesh grille. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, although its interior lacked a cohesive design theme. Leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof were available, but the interior design did not match the distinctive look of competitors like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, embraced its Jeep design traditions while introducing a new two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Cherokee's styling drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. The SUV offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise. The interior of the Grand Cherokee was comfortable and well-appointed, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The Summit Reserve trim offered premium features like quilted leather seats, a high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. While rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, the Grand Cherokee provided ample cargo space, with 1,067 litres behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options, both shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. The standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrain in Canada. The Escalade's gasoline engine had a maximum towing capacity of 3,629 kilograms, slightly higher than the diesel's 3,509 kilograms. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less comfortable experience compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade lacked off-road capability, unlike its GM cousins, and was not suited for rugged terrain.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, with a 4WD drivetrain standard in Canada. The standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine generated 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 2,812 kilograms. The available 5.7-litre V8 engine produced 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,265 kilograms. The Grand Cherokee featured three different 4WD systems, with Quadra-Trac I suitable for light off-roading, Quadra-Trac II offering manual control for more challenging terrain, and Quadra-Drive II providing serious off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading, with features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and all-terrain tires. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, and it felt more nimble and athletic than the larger Grand Cherokee L.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat as standard. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the front seats lacked the luxury feel expected in a high-end vehicle. Cadillac did include dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims offered additional features like heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and front seat massagers. The Grand Cherokee's redesign improved visibility, especially when off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. While rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, the Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the back seat folded. The Grand Cherokee L provided more cargo space, but the two-row version remained accommodating.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The Escalade's infotainment system was well-integrated into the dashboard, with physical toggles for climate control. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and an augmented-reality navigation system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, with features like a head-up display, Night Vision system, and a camera-based rearview mirror. The Grand Cherokee offered five interior touchscreens, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system provided a five-fold improvement in responsiveness, with over-the-air software updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard. The Grand Cherokee's voice recognition technology worked well, and the larger 10.1-inch Uconnect screen complemented the digital gauge cluster and head-up display. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the passenger to assist the driver and provided entertainment options.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with standard driver-assistance technology, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with Super Cruise available as an option. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera to ensure attention. While the Escalade's safety features were impressive, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), with a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Intersection Collision Assist provided front cross-traffic warning at intersections. Active Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to arrive in 2022, allowing for hands-free driving on approved roads.