2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase was also stretched by 12.7 cm, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The additional length and mass were seamlessly integrated into the design, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as an all-new 2021 model, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and quality.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and off-road capabilities, was a highly sought-after vehicle. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, designed for extreme off-road conditions. The Bronco's design was utilitarian, with features like short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance off-road performance. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery, sealed switches, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco was equipped with modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes for various terrains, a digital instrument panel, and a large infotainment touchscreen. The Bronco's combination of ruggedness and technology made it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and everyday driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Grand Cherokee L came standard with four-wheel drive, offering three different systems, while rear-wheel drive was not available. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which was found lacking for a vehicle of this size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Ford Bronco featured a base turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door Bronco with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and all four-door models. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive across its lineup, with the Everglades model excelling in challenging terrains. The Bronco's on-road performance was also commendable, with better ride quality and steering precision compared to its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's ability to handle both off-road and on-road conditions made it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and a 60/40 split bench as an option. However, the air vents were found to be inadequate, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, providing ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions and accessories, such as stowable doors and removable fender flares, enhancing its utility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2022 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera providing confidence in challenging terrains. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The Bronco's technology features complemented its rugged design, making it a capable and versatile vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA, while IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in several categories.