2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. This additional length, along with a five-inch 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 a 2021 model, before 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 the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured subtle exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The top Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort. Mazda restructured its trim levels, offering the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo options. The 2.5 Turbo, with its turbocharged engine, offered more power and acceleration. The CX-5's driving dynamics improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, delivering a quieter and smoother ride. The CX-5 aimed to compete with entry-level luxury SUVs, offering a blend of sporty handling and premium features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs for power. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying performance. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, offered 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis excelled, offering a composed ride and precise steering. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L could tow up to 6,200 pounds with RWD and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant, with a turbocharged engine, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. It returned 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg. The CX-5's driving dynamics improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, offering a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) provided Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the driving experience. The CX-5's handling was sporty, with reduced body roll and improved grip, making it a compelling alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had 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 second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof and USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were small and required a high fan setting. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and a spacious layout.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new furnishings. The seats offered improved comfort and support, with a sportier driving position. The CX-5's back seat remained snug, but heated cushions and air vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was challenging due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system, but users could acclimate to the center console controls. Storage space was limited, with a small center armrest bin and adequate cargo capacity. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of luggage volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats 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 Active Driving Assist system provided highway steering assistance. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a new optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch rear-seat displays with Amazon Fire TV. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console controls. The system lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition, requiring smartphone integration for intuitive assistance. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial. The 2.5 S Premium trim added a 10-speaker Bose sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The CX-5's technology package was comprehensive, though the control interface could be challenging for some users.

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

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a robust i-Activsense safety package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.