2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, the Bronco maintained its rugged theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, was known for its luxurious appeal and spacious interior. Its design retained the classic Jeep look with modern touches like slim LED lighting and body-colour bumpers. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was impressive, especially in upper trims, with features like a polished black dash, diamond-patterned stitching, and aluminum speaker grilles. The vehicle offered ample legroom, particularly in the second row, and a power-folding third row, making it a practical choice for families. While the lower trims lacked some of the premium details, the overall look and feel were superior to many competitors in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came with a choice of two engines: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive across its lineup, with even the base model able to tackle challenging terrains. The Everglades model excelled in difficult conditions, such as deep water crossings and steep rock climbs, thanks to its mud/ruts drive mode. On-road, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler, with better steering and reduced driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard engine was a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was considered underwhelming, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving towing capacity and performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, which allowed for smooth cornering and a comfortable ride. The vehicle's 4WD systems were permanent, offering excellent off-road capabilities, although the Trail-Rated trim was no longer available.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 1,481 litres with the rear seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 2,197 litres. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L benefited from its extended wheelbase, offering more legroom for second-row passengers. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's interior featured a range of storage options and a power liftgate, adding to its convenience for families.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with features like G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco's technology suite was designed to keep drivers engaged while providing useful off-road tools.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured Uconnect 5, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system was generally user-friendly, despite some legibility issues. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control navigation and cameras. The vehicle's tech offerings were extensive, providing a high level of convenience and entertainment for passengers.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control, with additional options available in higher trims. The Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star frontal crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS for most tests.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional options available on higher trims. The Grand Cherokee L's safety suite was comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.