2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

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 stretched an additional 12.7 cm, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to introduce the L first, as an all-new 2021 model, before releasing the two-row version in 2022, 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 with slimmer lighting and improved paint and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without sharing parts.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. The High Tide model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with a focus on durability and practicality, featuring floor drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its rugged nature, the Wrangler's driving experience was unique and immersive, offering a sense of freedom and adventure.

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, only four-wheel drive (4WD) was available, with three different systems to choose from. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled to provide sufficient power for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering 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 providing adjustable ride heights and improved handling.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 14.0 L/100 km. The Wrangler's driving experience was characterized by its unique and immersive nature, with a focus on off-road capability. However, it was known for its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, which were part of its charm for enthusiasts. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was unmatched, offering a sense of adventure and freedom.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek and user-friendly interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's spacious feel.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was rugged and practical, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and windshield, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring adjustments to see clearly. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges but found comfortable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seat folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology features, including multiple massage modes for the 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 as standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler audio setups.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium audio system. The Wrangler included features like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and heated front seats. The Cold Weather Group added a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

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

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for crash tests. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving due to its design.