2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

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. This additional length, along with a 12.7 cm longer wheelbase, provided more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra mass, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as an all-new 2021 model, set a high standard for the two-row version that followed in 2022. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's iconic design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finishes. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the appearance of a smaller CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders, riding on the same platform as the Mazda3. It was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse, potentially causing distractions for taller drivers due to its slight curve. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a well-designed interior that blended conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system prioritized form over function, presenting a steep learning curve. In Canada, the CX-30 was available in GX, GS, and GT trims, each offering a range of features from heated seats to a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The GT trim, tested with the turbocharged engine, included advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Traffic Jam Assist.

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 was available, with three different systems to choose from. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, provided 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. 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. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by Jeep's driving modes, although all-terrain tires were recommended for rougher trails. The maximum towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque in the GX trim. The GS and GT trims came with a 2.5-litre engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The tested model had a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. The six-speed automatic transmission provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's steering was well-weighted, with quick and precise turn-in, though the suspension resulted in a rough ride over potholes. The vehicle handled dirt and gravel roads well, but craggy paved roads were less comfortable.

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 Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch screen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were insufficient for airflow, requiring a loud fan setting.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT trim included a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The centre console and front doors provided ample storage space. Rear seats offered decent headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be less comfortable due to limited headroom compared to the larger CX-5.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided excellent steering on highways. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard. The Summit trims included automatic parking and a rear-facing camera. The Summit Reserve featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereo options.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, lacking touch functionality. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems, was criticized for poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay was cumbersome, though entering it from the Mazda home screen was straightforward. The system remained challenging even after setup, potentially distracting for new users.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, with rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot monitoring standard. Higher trims included traffic-sign recognition and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.