2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Nissan Ariya

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a testament to Jeep's ability to blend elegance with functionality. Its extended body, 29 centimetres longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, seamlessly integrated third-row seating without compromising its iconic Jeep aesthetic. The elongated wheelbase provided additional legroom for second-row passengers, and the wider rear doors enhanced accessibility. The Grand Cherokee L's design was both modern and classic, with its seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and sleek lighting. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-quality materials like real wood and Palermo leather, making it feel like a premium vehicle. Despite its all-black interior, the Grand Cherokee L offered enough contrast and detail to keep passengers engaged and comfortable.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Ariya embraced a futuristic and striking design, setting it apart from traditional SUVs. Its smooth, oval shape and sloping front and rear ends gave it a unique silhouette. The Ariya's front featured thin LED headlights and a V-Motion design language, while the rear boasted a thin taillight spanning the width of the vehicle. Inside, the Ariya showcased beautiful craftsmanship with minimal hard plastics and a simplistic dashboard. The dual 12-inch monitors and illuminated haptic buttons added a modern touch. The absence of a transmission tunnel created an open and airy interior, enhancing the sense of space. The Ariya's design was both innovative and expressive, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

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, the Grand Cherokee L came standard with four-wheel drive, offering three different systems, while rear-wheel drive was not available. 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, available on higher trims, delivered a more robust 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured a range of powertrains, starting with the Engage FWD model, which had a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Evolve e-4ORCE added a second motor for a total of 335 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The Venture+ FWD and Evolve+ FWD offered an extended-range battery with a 178-kW motor, delivering 238 hp. The Platinum+ e-4ORCE and Premiere e-4ORCE topped the lineup with 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Ariya's performance was commendable, with quick steering and well-managed body roll. The AWD models provided impressive acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The Ariya's driving modes, including Eco, Standard, and Sport, allowed for a customizable driving experience. The FWD Ariya achieved an average of 5.6 km per kWh, translating to a range of over 350 km.

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 Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the sense of space, although the air vents were somewhat inadequate. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-appointed, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its ground-up EV architecture, providing a spacious and open interior. Both front and rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, although headroom in the rear was slightly compromised by the moonroof. The Ariya's cargo space measured 1,670 litres behind the front seats, comparable to other electric crossovers. The interior featured innovative elements like a powered bin under the centre stack and an adjustable centre console. The Ariya's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with thoughtful touches that enhanced the overall experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, including multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided excellent steering assistance on highways. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler audio setups.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya was equipped with dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment. The screens were crisp and bright, with a seamless connection between them. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a wired connection. The Ariya featured Alexa compatibility, allowing for integration with smart home devices. The infotainment system was user-friendly and modern, reflecting Nissan's commitment to technology and connectivity.

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 Nissan Ariya included ProPilot Assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. Like the Grand Cherokee L, it had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.