2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

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, while the two-row, five-passenger configuration of the 4xe model offered a distinct choice for those seeking a plug-in hybrid experience. The Overland trim, with its silver paint and contrasting black roof, exuded a sense of luxury, complemented by leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. However, the presence of hard plastic materials in the interior raised concerns about long-term durability and noise.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler embraced a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and solid axles. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler offered the option to remove doors and fold down the windshield for an open-air experience. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a touch of flair to the otherwise functional design. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, though it lacked some of the luxury features found in the Grand Cherokee. The body-coloured dash and chunky controls emphasized its utilitarian nature, while the optional Sky One-Touch power soft top provided a quick way to enjoy the outdoors.

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 an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with 42 kilometres of all-electric range. Its fuel efficiency was notable, but cold weather and a depleted battery could impact performance. The vehicle featured two off-road 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, its towing capacity of 2,721 kilograms was lower than that of the V6 and V8 models.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-litre V8 engine, delivered 470 horsepower and an equal amount of torque, making it a powerhouse for off-road adventures. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was further enhanced by its solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various off-road transfer cases. However, the 392's brakes and steering were less refined, requiring caution during on-road driving.

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 air suspension provided a quick-down function for easy loading and unloading. Despite the hot weather during testing, the standard heated steering wheel promised comfort during colder months.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but heated seats were only available on select models or as part of a package. The rear seat could accommodate three passengers in four-door models, though space was tight. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The hard top and soft top options allowed for various open-air configurations, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top offering quick access to fresh air.

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 screen layouts, enhancing the user experience. The vehicle boasted multiple screens, including a 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 rear-seat entertainment screens offered additional entertainment. The McIntosh stereo system, available on higher trims, provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen available. The system initially appeared complex but proved intuitive with features like off-road pages displaying power distribution and vehicle metrics. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity were standard. The Wrangler offered practical tech features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting at the Overland trim. The vehicle also featured a 360-degree surround-view camera on all trims except the Trailhawk. While the IIHS had not published crash-test results, the NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were less comprehensive, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top trims or available as part of an option package. The IIHS ratings for the Wrangler were mixed, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler a four-star frontal crash test rating and a three-star rollover rating, with no side crash rating available.