2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Honda HR-V

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 finish. The interior boasted high-end materials like Palermo leather and real wood, offering a luxurious feel akin to a Mercedes.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its predecessor's quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The HR-V's interior featured new seats with black cloth and heated front seats as standard. The EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, enhancing cabin comfort. The interior design followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with premium touches like a metal honeycomb grille and touch-sensitive lights. Despite the fastback design, visibility remained excellent, with larger rear windows and door-mounted mirrors.

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, four-wheel drive 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 driving experience. 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 adjustable ride heights and driving modes for various terrains. The maximum towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, but the HR-V remained less powerful than some competitors. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmissions. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for more spirited driving. The HR-V's new suspension and widened tracks improved handling, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads. However, it lacked the powertrain variety offered by some rivals. The HR-V's fuel efficiency and driving dynamics were commendable, but it was noisier at higher speeds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and audio 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 captain's chairs standard in the second row. The third row could accommodate adults comfortably. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy. The panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced long-distance comfort.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's fastback design reduced rear-seat headroom slightly, but cargo space remained competitive, with 691 litres with seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded. The 60/40 split rear seats provided a higher seating position and a nearly flat floor when folded. Passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L gaining interior space. Front legroom improved, while rear legroom decreased slightly.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for 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 adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for the infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions on the EX-L. The EX-L also had a 9-inch display with Smart Shortcuts and a wireless charging pad. All HR-Vs included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen. Standard features included three USB-A ports, Bluetooth, keyless entry, and remote start. The EX-L trim added Wi-Fi capability and an eight-speaker audio system.

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

The 2023 Honda HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. Honda Sensing was standard on all trims, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V's single-camera system improved the field of vision, and the safety features were generally unobtrusive.