2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, adorned with laser-etched knurling, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, and the use of aluminum and composite materials helped reduce weight. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5, on the other hand, combined Cadillac’s signature design elements with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in a somewhat ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport models featured distinct styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter opting for darker trim and a mesh grille. The XT5's interior, particularly with the optional Platinum Package, exuded luxury with semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfibre sueded headliner. However, the interior design lacked a strong theme, and the seats, while comfortable, fell short of luxury standards. The XT5's interior space was competitive, offering more legroom than its German rivals, though it trailed in rear headroom.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. The vehicle came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, also standard, allowed for adjustable ride height, enhancing off-road capability and highway efficiency. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a stately driving pace, as its size and imprecise steering made it feel ungainly at higher speeds.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, particularly in the Premium Luxury trim, provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which excelled in providing a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The XT5's steering was well-suited to luxury driving, offering a balance between nimbleness and stability. The cabin remained quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs, or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It boasted more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, it offered less front-row space compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight. Standard features included a sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control, though forward visibility was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 compared favourably in interior space to German luxury crossovers, offering more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, though less than the BMW X3. It provided more legroom in both rows than its German counterparts, but less front legroom than the Lincoln Corsair. The seats, while comfortable, lacked the cushioning expected in a luxury vehicle. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing its German rivals but falling short of the Infiniti QX50. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the centre console featured a small cubbyhole for additional storage.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with its Android-based operating system, supported over-the-air updates. While the system offered extensive functionality, the touchscreen response was occasionally slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While usability had improved, the XT5's tech offerings were merely adequate compared to other luxury brands. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but the array of secondary controls, including a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads, were not user-friendly. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, complementing the XT5's quiet interior.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, and night vision. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The Technology Package offered additional features like rear pedestrian alert and night vision. However, the XT5 did not include Cadillac's advanced Super Cruise technology.