2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim and introduced the sporty ST-Line, enhancing the popular XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to the "floating roof" effect, a popular design element from previous generations. Inside, higher-trim Explorers showcased a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price point, though occasional reminders of the base trim were evident.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, offered a third-row seating option, making it 29 centimetres longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee. The wheelbase stretched by 12.7 cm, providing more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, offering a Mercedes-like style and quality. The spacious cabin accommodated adults comfortably in all rows, and the optional air suspension provided a smooth ride with adjustable settings for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. This engine allowed for a towing capacity of 2,400 kg and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg, and achieving 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and a fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and providing an engaging driving experience.

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 and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The V6 engine, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying performance. The V6 achieved a fuel efficiency of 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 consumed 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with a stellar ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The Explorer's interior lacked practical storage solutions, with limited pockets, shelves, and cubbies. The cargo space behind the third-row seat was 528 litres, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch screen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating adults comfortably. Standard second-row captain's chairs allowed for six-person seating, with a 60/40 split bench as an option. The panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced the travel experience, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than the newer Sync 4, with limitations in understanding commands. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking, intersection collision assist, and a rear-facing camera. The Summit Reserve featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereo options.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also included a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the previous year’s model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, enhancing driver confidence and passenger protection.