2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a testament to Jeep's ability to blend elegance with functionality. The "L" in its name signified its extended length, which was 29 centimetres longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, allowing for third-row seating. The wheelbase was also stretched by 12.7 centimetres, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. This additional mass was seamlessly integrated into the vehicle's design, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated in comparison. The Grand Cherokee L was introduced first, setting a high bar for its two-row counterpart released later. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, with a modern twist—featuring a seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end, complemented by slimmer, brighter lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, offering a Mercedes-like quality without sharing parts.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased Volvo's evolution from its boxy predecessors to a more refined and purposeful design. The XC90's front end was solid yet understated, with an assertive grille and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. While its dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, the XC90 was far from the utilitarian designs of the past. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion tires, adding drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones added depth, though Volvo's colour palette remained conservative. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful look.

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, while rear-wheel drive was not offered. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The engine noise was noticeable, and the transmission's early upshifts did not complement the engine's performance. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering 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 a highlight, with excellent ride composure and steering feel, aided by an optional air suspension with five ride height settings. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were commendable, though all-terrain tires were recommended for rougher trails.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid version of the previous powertrain, offering 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This change aimed to improve fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, handling functions like climate control and ignition. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise at bay, and the brakes provided a confident pedal feel. The XC90's driving dynamics were straightforward, with limited customizable options, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.

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 version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and a 60/40 split bench optional. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the spacious feel, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was marked by Scandinavian minimalism, which sometimes led to storage frustrations. The lack of dedicated space for a cell phone and limited cubby space were notable issues. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded, and maxing out at 1,856 litres. This was less than some competitors. Despite its size, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, offering a comfortable and composed ride.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition, with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system on the Summit Reserve.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant as standard. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, though some functions were buried within the touchscreen interface. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display optional. The XC90's tech was impressive, but the reliance on the touchscreen for basic functions could be frustrating.

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 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane position.