2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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 bar for the two-row version that followed. 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 and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. While not flashy, it offered options like Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels for those seeking attention. Our test vehicle, in Eiger Grey with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in various trims, including Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and the sold-out SV Edition One. It featured premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED taillights, enhancing its modern appeal. The interior boasted Windsor leather upholstery and Ultrafabrics, emphasizing sustainability and luxury.

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, 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 at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. 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 driving conditions. The vehicle's maximum towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography trim, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The sold-out SV Edition One featured a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8. The Range Rover Sport's inline-six engine provided ample power, with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, with a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. Fuel efficiency averaged 10.5 L/100 km, with 9.4 L/100 km on suburban highways. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension adjusted up to 500 times per second. However, it struggled to match the handling of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with a maximum ground clearance of 28.2 cm and advanced off-road technologies.

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 screen. 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with Windsor leather and 20-way power adjustments. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate and controls for lowering the air suspension facilitated loading.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features on upper trims, including massage modes, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids standard. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered Meridian audio systems with up to 29 speakers and Active Noise Cancellation. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included, though accessing it was challenging.

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

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured numerous safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also had automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less smooth and reliable than expected.