2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 enhanced with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. This design element, combined with a forward rake reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer, created a blend of past and 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 marred by an abundance of hard plastic materials, which raised concerns about durability and noise over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and elegance with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. The SUV's exterior was complemented by a matte Brunswick Green paint job and 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. Inside, the GV80 continued the theme of luxury with quilted leather seats, metal and matte wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The interior was spacious and luxurious, featuring a 14.5-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. Despite a few quirks with the infotainment system, the GV80 offered a serene and comfortable driving experience, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium SUV.

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, offering a total driving range of 719 kilometres. The vehicle's fuel efficiency was remarkable, with a rating of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres under ideal conditions. However, once the battery was depleted, the fuel economy dropped to 10.0 L/100 km. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also offered 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range and featured two off-road 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. The latter, equipped in our tester, produced 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking around five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, it excelled in highway driving. The vehicle's power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension provided a comfortable ride by scanning the road for roughness. The GV80's active noise cancellation further enhanced the driving experience, making it a quiet and relaxing vehicle for long journeys.

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 offered ample space for passengers, with the ability to expand cargo space from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres by folding down the second row. The vehicle's air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite the hot weather during testing, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's standard heated steering wheel promised comfort during colder months.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of luxury features. Standard equipment in Canada included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The GV80's interior was adorned with Nappa leather seats and featured an Ergo driver's seat to reduce fatigue. While a third row was available, it offered limited legroom, making it suitable only for children. The GV80 boasted a large cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded down. The vehicle's towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms, matching the Grand Cherokee 4xe.

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 standard 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display and a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad and four USB ports were standard, while optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens offered additional entertainment. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's 19-speaker McIntosh stereo was a standout feature, available from the Overland trim onwards.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 featured wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The vehicle's remote smart parking assist allowed for easy maneuvering in tight spaces, with the driver able to control the car's movements via the key fob.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Intersection Assist collision mitigation. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Overland trim, while a 360-degree surround-view camera was standard on all trims except the Trailhawk. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle's Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).