2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The vehicle featured the brand's signature seven-slot grille, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. This design element, combined with a forward rake reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer, seamlessly blended the past with the present. 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, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior was not without its drawbacks, as hard plastic materials were prevalent, raising concerns about durability and noise over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered a distinct retro-cool styling across its nine trim levels, from the basic Base trim to the top-tier Raptor. The Bronco's blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and round headlights were unmistakable, evoking nostalgia while incorporating modern engineering. The Heritage Edition trim added a throwback touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, while the Raptor stood out with its wide stance and massive tires. The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme, with sealed switches and buttons for easy cleaning, drain plugs, and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. While the materials prioritized durability over luxury, the Bronco's interior was quieter than its Jeep Wrangler counterpart, offering a more comfortable ride.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was notable for its 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 a standard four-wheel drive system managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving a fuel efficiency of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres under ideal conditions. The vehicle offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with 42 kilometres of all-electric range. However, once the battery was depleted, fuel efficiency dropped to 10.0 L/100 km. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also included two off-road 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor, producing 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All Broncos came with a four-wheel drive system and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the 2.7-litre V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine offered exhilarating power, though it was more than most drivers would need. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with a quieter interior and better highway tracking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered counterpart, was not available in a three-row configuration. However, it offered ample space for passengers, with cargo space expanding from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres when the second row was folded down. The air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite the hot weather during testing, the standard heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder months.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy design provided generous interior space, especially in the four-door model, which was more convenient for rear-seat access. The two-door model offered 634 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,481 litres with the rear seats folded, while the four-door model provided 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats did not fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road versatility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like the My Pages feature. The vehicle included a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display, a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, and optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available from the Overland trim, offered exceptional audio quality.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. The vehicle offered numerous camera views and the Trail Turn Assist feature for improved maneuverability. The Bronco also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect, with an optional 12-inch infotainment display for better usability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, though the IIHS had not published results for the 4xe.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the NHTSA giving the four-door model four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and Trail Turn Assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.