2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 and fuel efficiency. The grille's forward rake was reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer, creating a bridge between past and present. The 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels that included 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 bronze contrast stitching. However, the presence of hard plastic materials in the interior raised concerns about durability and noise over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by over 30 centimetres, maintaining its tough yet upscale appearance. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, giving it a bold look. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with diamond-patterned stitching, aluminum speaker grilles, and a polished black dash. While not every material was of the highest grade, the overall feel was justified for a vehicle approaching $90,000. The Grand Cherokee L's design was both modern and timeless, ready to last for decades.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out with 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 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8. The 4xe featured a standard four-wheel drive system managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving a fuel economy 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. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Select-Terrain traction system. However, its towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, was equipped with a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 was considered underwhelming, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, which allowed for five height settings. The vehicle's 4WD systems, including Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, ensured all four wheels were always engaged, making it a formidable off-road contender.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, as a two-row SUV, offered ample space for passengers, with cargo space ranging from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres when the second row was folded. The air suspension's quick-down function facilitated easy loading and unloading. The vehicle's heated steering wheel was a welcome feature for colder climates.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended wheelbase, provided more legroom for second-row passengers. The standard second-row captain's chairs and optional 60/40 bench seat offered flexibility, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-equipped, with a power liftgate and dual-pane panoramic sunroof available on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its customization options and user-friendly interface. The vehicle came with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display and a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh stereo was a highlight, though only available on higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also utilized the Uconnect 5 system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The vehicle offered a range of tech features, including night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed for independent video and music playback. The Grand Cherokee L's tech offerings were extensive, providing a level of convenience and entertainment that set it apart from competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with a suite of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The vehicle received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet published its crash-test results.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. The vehicle offered a comprehensive range of safety features, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras.