2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a familiar sight, echoing the design traditions of its predecessors while introducing a new two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. This SUV offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise of capability and comfort. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with its forward-leaning grille and headlights, and a black roof option added a modern touch. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo providing a sense of quality and the Summit Reserve offering premium features like quilted leather seats and a high-end audio system. However, the gloss black finish on some controls was less functional than the matte-black finish on lower trims.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black front bumper trim and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. While it was unmistakably an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its minimalist interior design with recent VW gasoline models, offering a sense of quality. The base model featured leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres, and the interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. The ID.4's interior space was generous, with more legroom and headroom than many other affordable EVs, and it offered competitive cargo space, making it a practical choice for those seeking an SUV-like experience in an EV.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, both paired with a four-wheel-drive system. The standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,812 kilograms. The 5.7-litre V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,265 kilograms. Three different 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Trac I for light off-roading, Quadra-Trac II for more challenging terrain, and Quadra-Drive II for serious off-roading. The Trailhawk trim featured advanced off-road capabilities, including an electronic locking rear differential and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 11.3 to 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model with rear-wheel drive and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting for increased energy recovery. However, it did not offer one-pedal driving, which might have disappointed some EV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for both driver and passengers, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard features in Canada. Higher trims offered additional amenities like ventilated front seats and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat legroom was somewhat limited, and the two-row Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than many other affordable EVs. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with the seats folded. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kilograms for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with a wealth of technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens for information and entertainment. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. The optional front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment options for the front-seat passenger.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen with software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, but the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, but it was easy to overlook during normal driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems and a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to perform well in IIHS crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. The ID.4 also added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system for 2023.