2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique proposition in the automotive market. It was a plug-in hybrid minivan, a rarity among mainstream brands, providing a practical solution for families needing efficient transportation. The Pacifica Hybrid was not designed to hide its minivan identity, unlike some crossovers that tried to mask their similarities to minivans. Its exterior, even with the S Appearance Package, was not particularly striking, and its price point was on the higher side, starting at $55,995 for the base model. The interior, while comfortable with premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's practicality and efficiency, especially with the federal EV rebate, made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing functionality over style.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, offering a longer body to accommodate third-row seating. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, with signature elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced technology, making it feel like a premium vehicle. The model offered a range of trims, each with impressive features, from the base Laredo to the high-end Summit Reserve. The Grand Cherokee L's design and build quality were a testament to Jeep's commitment to creating a vehicle that was both functional and stylish, appealing to those who desired a blend of rugged capability and luxury.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped extend the electric range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. However, the driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower, was found lacking for a vehicle of this size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, with 357 horsepower, provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a highlight, offering excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride heights, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The V6's fuel efficiency was decent, rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the V8 was less efficient. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L's performance was bolstered by its impressive chassis and suspension system, making it a capable and comfortable vehicle for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage solutions were abundant, with various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, though they did not fold into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind it. With the third-row seats folded, cargo capacity increased to 2,477 litres, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 3,978 litres, surpassing many SUVs in terms of space.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a spacious and well-appointed interior, with plenty of room in all three rows. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Grand Cherokee L's interior featured high-quality materials, including leather and wood trim, and offered a range of advanced features, such as a panoramic roof and multiple USB ports. However, the air vents were found to be insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, making it a suitable choice for families and long journeys.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a simple user interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered features like FamCam, which allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its default settings required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available, but not essential if passengers had their own devices. The Pacifica Hybrid's technology offerings were comprehensive, though the voice recognition system needed improvement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced technology features, especially in the upper trims. These included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect 5 system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the navigation system integrated seamlessly with the digital instrument panel. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The Grand Cherokee L's technology offerings were extensive, providing a premium experience for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. However, the adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious in traffic. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the 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, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Grand Cherokee L's safety features were comprehensive, though its crash test ratings were not yet available.