2023 Chevrolet Equinox 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 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 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 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as futuristic as some competitors, was an attractive crossover with a restrained bodywork and a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The Equinox was available in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with AWD as an option in Canada. Its design shared language with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, and the compact profile gave an impression of spaciousness. The interior featured two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a practical layout with a PRNDL shift lever. Despite its dated appearance, the Equinox was practical and easy to use, with a well-sorted suspension and tight steering. The Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments and adaptive cruise control.

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. 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, 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 impressive, with a stellar ride and handling, aided by an optional air suspension with five ride height settings. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various driving modes and a Trail-Rated badge on the Overland trim.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for city driving, the Equinox struggled with acceleration at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission held gears longer, contributing to engine noise. AWD was available but required manual engagement. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The suspension handled bumps well, and the steering was tight and accurate, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive.

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

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, cup holders for all passengers, and a nearly silent power liftgate. A panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like massage modes, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was simple yet effective, with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system was easy to use, with good voice recognition and customizable icons. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim offered a wireless charging pad and an optional Bose audio system.

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

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.