2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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, seamlessly blended the past with the present. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with a trim lineup that included 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 and blue accents on trail-rated trims.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a comfortable and upscale feel, even in its base trim. The Overland trim featured leather seats, wood and metal accents, heated and ventilated front seats, and bronze contrast stitching. However, the interior was not without its drawbacks, as hard plastic materials were prevalent, particularly below the hip point. Gloss black surfaces, while visually appealing, were prone to fingerprints and glare. Despite these issues, the Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a comfortable and capable environment for its occupants.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, was a vehicle that embraced its rugged roots while offering a modern twist. Its design was characterized by a boxy, industrial aesthetic, with square-jawed features and steep angles. The Defender paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents like dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel and tire mounted on the hatch. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unparalleled versatility in seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model.

Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with an interior dominated by rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its utilitarian approach, the Defender's build quality was excellent, and it retained its unique character. However, the interior lacked the opulence of its Range Rover counterparts, and the high price tag of the Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition we tested felt excessive. Nevertheless, the Defender's sales success in Canada indicated that its appeal extended beyond its luxurious siblings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was notable for its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combined 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, and offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres. However, its fuel efficiency depended on ideal conditions and a fully charged battery, with a more realistic rating of 10.0 L/100 km once the battery was depleted.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe's electric powertrain provided 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range, aided by an electronic front-axle disconnect and E Select powertrain modes. These modes included Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize battery usage. The vehicle also featured regenerative braking with a Max Regen setting for one-pedal driving. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Select-Terrain traction system. However, the 4xe's towing capacity of 2,721 kilograms was lower than that of its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with its Terrain Response 2 system and permanent four-wheel drive. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's engine options included a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was less powerful at 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The Defender's fuel economy varied depending on the engine, with the V8 returning the least efficient ratings. Despite its shortcomings on the road, the Defender's off-road prowess and engine options made it a formidable choice for adventure 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 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 provided a quick-down function for easy loading and unloading, and the standard heated steering wheel was a welcome feature for Canadian winters.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, in contrast, offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to accommodate up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat for three across in the front, while the 110 offered an optional third row. The 130's third row was standard and wider, providing additional comfort for passengers. The Defender's large glass areas and panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility, and its cargo space varied depending on the model and seating configuration.

The Defender's versatility extended to its available features, including off-road or all-season tires, a metal roof rack, a console refrigerator, and a heated windshield. These options made the Defender a practical choice for both everyday use and outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. 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 dual rear-seat entertainment screens offered additional entertainment options. The McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch touchscreen were both user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Defender's features included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added amenities like a Meridian sound system, air suspension, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with a range 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 on higher trims, and a 360-degree surround-view camera was standard on all but the Trailhawk trim. The Grand Cherokee received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, while not rated by U.S. agencies, received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender also offered a 360-degree camera system and optional digital instrument panel with full-screen maps. However, the vehicle's six airbags were considered insufficient by some standards.