2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, a hallmark of Korean automotive design. It diverged notably from the rest of the Genesis lineup, featuring the brand’s signature two-line lighting that created an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. This effect was slightly less pronounced than on the larger GV80 due to the absence of turn signal repeaters on the front quarter panels. The GV70’s design further diverged with its unique shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows, setting it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, featured a sculpted hood aligning with the Genesis crest-shaped logo, dark chrome finishes, and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the standard 21-inch alloy wheels.

Genesis offered a direct-to-consumer ordering model, allowing for extensive customization with over 100 colour combinations, including exclusive matte paints for the Sport grades. The GV70’s interior featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with Sport trims offering genuine carbon fibre inserts. The cabin boasted high-quality materials, though some plastic elements were present in less frequently touched areas. The premium grades showcased quilted leather seats and door panels, while the overall interior design emphasized luxury and attention to detail.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length to accommodate third-row seating, presented an elegant and recognizable Jeep design. The seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were classic Jeep elements, modernized with slimmer, brighter lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The Grand Cherokee L’s design was impressive across all trim levels, with the high-end Summit and Summit Reserve featuring black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, offering a premium feel akin to a Mercedes. The spacious cabin, even in the third row, provided comfort for all passengers, though the air vents were noted to be small, requiring the fan to be kept on high.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the more powerful choice, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, boasting higher power figures than several German counterparts. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, prioritizing the rear axle until front-wheel traction was needed. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of available torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, with the latter delivering aggressive throttle response and partial traction control disabling. The electronically controlled suspension system provided a balance between comfort and road feedback, with a notably tight turning radius for urban environments.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle’s weight, with engine noise permeating the cabin under acceleration. The V8, available on higher trims, offered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L’s chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions. The vehicle’s driving modes, similar to Land Rover’s, adjusted multiple systems based on terrain selection, though all-terrain tires were recommended for rougher trails.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console separating the driver from the front passenger. Intuitive button and dial controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated front and rear outboard seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger space was enhanced by a large panoramic sunroof and manual rear window sunshades, though storage was limited. Cargo volume was rated at 819 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches separated climate and stereo functions from the touchscreen, providing ease of use. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain’s chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were noted to be small, requiring the fan to be kept on high.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen, offering high-resolution graphics and a split-screen layout for in-car functions and smartphone integration. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the display with layered graphics. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless vehicle start and offered a nine-speaker audio system as standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades.

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. The Active Driving Assist system provided steering assistance on marked highway lanes. 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, and forward collision warning, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required the driver’s hands on the wheel. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

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.