2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to blending heritage with modernity. Its design featured the iconic seven-slot grille, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics, reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, which we tested, boasted a silver exterior with a contrasting black roof and 20-inch wheels, along with signature surf blue tow hooks. Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a comfortable and upscale feel, with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the presence of hard plastic materials in the interior raised concerns about durability and noise.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous design, available in both two-door and four-door body styles. Buyers could choose from a variety of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline-powered V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, featured a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. Despite its simplicity, the Wrangler provided a unique and immersive driving experience, with the option to remove the top and doors for an open-air adventure.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured standard four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving a fuel economy of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres under ideal conditions. It offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also included E Select powertrain modes, regenerative braking, and two off-road 4x4 systems: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. However, its towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 14.0 L/100 km. The Wrangler's driving experience was characterized by its unique and immersive nature, with a rough-and-tumble feel and a thirst for fuel. Despite its shortcomings in ride quality and handling, the Wrangler offered a sense of adventure and freedom, making it a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered counterpart, was not available as an L model with a third row of seats. However, it provided ample space for passengers, with a cargo capacity of 1,067 litres, expandable to 2,004 litres with the second row folded down. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite the hot weather during testing, the vehicle's heated steering wheel was a welcome feature for colder climates.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit, especially with its raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, but the interior was dominated by plastic and rubber materials. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 898 litres behind the rear seat, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options. The My Pages feature allowed for personalized displays and widgets, enhancing the user experience. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display, a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, and a wireless charging pad. Optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a blend of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting at the Overland trim. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).