2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior and a luxurious interior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior. Its design was sleek yet conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights reminiscent of GMC's style. The XT6's proportions and details conveyed a tailored image, aligning with Cadillac's lineup. Despite its premium appearance, the interior felt less luxurious than expected for its price, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that seemed outdated compared to competitors. The XT6's pricing was competitive, but options quickly increased the cost, making it comparable to a loaded Audi Q7.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, with a longer body to accommodate third-row seating. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, with a seven-slot grille and modernized lighting. The interior was luxurious, with high-resolution screens, real wood, and leather seating, offering a Mercedes-like quality. The Grand Cherokee L's spaciousness was a highlight, with ample room in all rows and thoughtful features like a panoramic roof and multiple USB ports. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was quite loud.

The Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 with 310 horsepower. The V6 provided sufficient power, but the lack of turbocharging meant it lacked the extra zing at lower revs. The XT6's driving dynamics were competent, with an adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes available for the Sport model. However, the driving experience leaned towards serenity rather than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 L/100 km combined, with our test returning 12.0 L/100 km.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, with engine noise permeating the cabin. The V8, available on higher trims, provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with a stellar ride and handling, aided by an optional air suspension with five ride height settings. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 11.3 L/100 km combined, while the V8 was notably worse at 14.1 L/100 km.

Inside the Cadillac XT6, the front seats were comfortable and wrapped in premium leather, but lacked the range of adjustment and massage functions found in rivals. The second-row captain's chairs offered good legroom, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,229 litres with seats folded. Storage compartments were small and difficult to access.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in interior space, with ample room in all rows, including the third row, which could accommodate adults comfortably. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. However, some graphics were hard to read, and the system occasionally lagged. The Grand Cherokee L offered a large cargo area, with flexible seating configurations and thoughtful storage solutions.

The Cadillac XT6 featured advanced technologies like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but fell short with its analog gauges and small touchscreen. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but usability issues persisted with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicators. The Bose audio system was a highlight, but the head-up display was underwhelming.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a wealth of technology, especially in upper trims, with features like massage seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided excellent highway steering assistance. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, with additional options like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition available on higher trims.

The Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a highway driving-assist system, though it had limitations in certain conditions. The XT6 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and a range of driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L's safety features were comprehensive, but its lack of official safety ratings was a consideration.