2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, sitting somewhere between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional styling of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, such as a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. However, this combination resulted in an awkward mix with the XT5’s compact size and tall profile, making it unmistakably a Cadillac, albeit an ungainly one. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered slightly different exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a traditional look and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier appearance. The interior, while luxurious, relied heavily on the optional Platinum Package to meet luxury standards, lacking a strong design theme or brand-specific markers.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant and recognizable Jeep from any angle, with its seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end. The L model, introduced first as an all-new 2021 model, was 29 centimetres longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating third-row seats and offering more second-row legroom. The Grand Cherokee L's design was modernized with slimmer, brighter lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, offering a tactile quality comparable to a Mercedes. The spacious interior, even in the third row, and the optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a family vehicle optimized for on-road comfort.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine standard on the Sport trim and optional on the Premium Luxury, delivering 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided a reasonably quick performance with smooth and quick shifts, and the optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without requiring constant corrections, and the cabin was impressively quiet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found wanting for a vehicle of this size, with engine noise pouring through the cabin under acceleration. The V8, available on higher trims, offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was stellar, with ride composure and steering feel that were taut and direct. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered favourable interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but less than the BMW X3. It provided more legroom in both rows, although less front legroom than the Lincoln Corsair. The seats were comfortable but not up to luxury standards, and the cargo space was generous, with 850 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the centre console included a small cubbyhole for convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with straightforward graphics and physical switches for climate and stereo functions. The interior offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs as standard for six-person seating and a 60/40 split bench as an option. The panoramic roof, large windows, and USB ports enhanced the comfort for long journeys. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was loud. The infotainment system had some legibility concerns and occasional lag, but overall, the Grand Cherokee L provided a spacious and comfortable interior.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While usability was improved, the tech was merely adequate compared to other luxury brands. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but the secondary controls were not user-friendly, and the capacitive touchpads lacked physical feedback. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Summit Reserve trim included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. The system occasionally lagged, but overall, the Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of technology features.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but had a "Marginal" headlight rating and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came with standard driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, but lacked official safety ratings at the time.