2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately appearance just shy of 5 metres in length. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant look, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The interior continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, complemented by metal and matte wood trim. The centre console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Despite a minor quibble with the 14.5-inch infotainment screen's placement, the GV80's interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a comfortable and visually appealing environment.

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 different 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, 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 at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a highlight, offering stellar ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights and comfort levels.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with AWD and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. The V6, producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly athletic or quick, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride. The GV80's performance was more about refinement than sportiness, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward 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 and an optional 60/40 split bench. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort on long journeys, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate, requiring the fan to be kept on high.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted numerous luxury features, including heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Ergo driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, while Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. The GV80 provided a large cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was rated at 2,720 kilograms. The GV80's interior was both luxurious and practical, with thoughtful touches like Genesis puddle lamps and a digital key.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking and a driver attention monitor, while the Summit Reserve boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, albeit with a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside. The system was complemented by wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet.

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

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS for crashworthiness and front crash prevention.