2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Subaru Outback

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 its two-row counterpart. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's iconic design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finishes. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark grey cladding. This gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a simulated skid plate and asymmetrical wheel arch trim. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold design. The Outback offered seven trim levels, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695 in Canada. The interior of the Limited trim was upscale, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and contrasting stitching. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained a quality feel. The infotainment system, however, was prone to collecting dust and smudges.

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, was found lacking in power 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. 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. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its driving modes and air springs, although all-terrain tires were recommended for rougher trails.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, with the standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, but passing and climbing power was limited. The Outback XT models, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance. The standard engine's fuel efficiency was rated at 8.3 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed 9.2 L/100 km. The XT models were less efficient, with the Wilderness trim rated at 10.1 L/100 km combined. The Outback's suspension provided a firm ride at lower speeds and absorbed bumps well at higher speeds. The vehicle handled well, with decent steering and capable brakes, but the powertrain and fuel economy were disappointing.

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 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a roof rack and dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, both heated. The interior was comfortable, with premium Nappa leather and heated rear seats. The Outback's cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seat folded. The vehicle's height made entry and exit easy, and the roof rails were robust for carrying items. However, more practical storage space could be added by redesigning the transmission shifter.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard. The Summit trims included automatic parking and a rear-facing camera. The Summit Reserve featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereos.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, had an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system. Physical controls included volume and tuning knobs, while other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The voice recognition system was limited, and the graphics were not user-friendly. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

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

The 2023 Subaru Outback was highly rated by IIHS, earning top marks in safety tests. The EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and other features. The Premier XT trim added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive, with artificial steering feel. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.