2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

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 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 signature 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 high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood nearly two metres tall and required significant space for parking, emphasizing its commanding presence. The standard Escalade was already substantial, but the ESV version added 38 centimetres, primarily to the wheelbase. The Escalade was designed for show, appealing to a diverse audience from pop musicians to large families. Despite its size, Cadillac managed to give the Escalade an athletic appearance with thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved screen array and multiple leather options. However, some components, like the seats and controls, were shared with less expensive GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. The Escalade's design was a blend of grandeur and practicality, with a focus on driver comfort.

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, 4WD was standard, with three systems available, while RWD was not offered. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, 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. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride quality and handling, with a stellar chassis and optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various terrains. Its towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While adequate for towing up to 3,629 kilograms, the Escalade felt heavy during acceleration. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km combined. The Escalade's 4WD system was basic, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. The magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling, but wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

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 version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate featured a separate glass window.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade introduced several tech innovations, including a vast OLED screen array and a high-res front camera display. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard.

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

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It had not been rated by IIHS. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, and adaptive cruise control. Reverse emergency braking was optional but had some issues in testing.