2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Ford Escape

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 elegance and recognizability, with its signature seven-slot grille and modernized lighting. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape adopted a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The 2023 refresh introduced a traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford logo prominently displayed. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a range of trims, with the ST-Line Elite showcasing 19-inch wheels and a sleek design. Inside, the Escape featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided ease of use. The interior was dominated by plastic, some of which felt cost-cutting, but the overall design was practical for long drives.

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, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, 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 for various terrains.

The 2023 Ford Escape stood out with multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. The latter was available only with all-wheel drive and provided better acceleration and passing power. Despite the four-cylinder's output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Grand Cherokee L offered 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 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating and excellent ergonomics, with well-positioned armrests and convenient cupholders. The head-up display was adjustable for different drivers. Cargo space was limited compared to segment leaders, with 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than competitors, but headroom was impressive.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard. The Summit Reserve trim included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured the Sync 4 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. Sync 4 was intuitive, with easy navigation between apps. A wi-fi hotspot was available, and the system included a static "Home" button for easy access. The audio system ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to an optional Bang & Olufsen system.

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

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests. However, IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology.