2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was a striking presence on the road, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which lent it a traditional SUV aesthetic. Its tall hood, broad shoulders, and upright profile were complemented by trapezoidal wheel arches, giving it a robust and commanding look. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself from its sibling with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille, in particular, leaned forward slightly and featured laser-etched knurling, adding a touch of sophistication. The vehicle's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, boasting high-end materials and convenience features like 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The use of Nappa leather upholstery and optional higher-grade Palermo leather, along with aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, elevated the cabin's ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, with its longer body accommodating third-row seating. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, with a seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. The lighting was modernized, and the paint finish and panel fit were notably improved. The interior was a testament to luxury, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating. The Grand Cherokee L's cabin was spacious, offering ample room in all rows, and the panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the sense of openness. Despite some minor issues with air vent size and noise, the interior was designed for comfort and convenience, making it a compelling choice for families.

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, allowed 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, enhancing traction. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, offered adjustable ride height for various driving conditions, providing up to 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a stately pace, as its ride could become bouncy at higher speeds, and its steering was not as precise as some might prefer.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for a vehicle of this size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, provided a more satisfying 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, offering a stellar ride with taut and direct steering. The optional air suspension provided a range of ride height settings, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. The vehicle's driving modes, similar to those of a Land Rover, allowed for easy adaptation to various terrains. While not as trail-ready as a Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee L was optimized for on-road comfort and offered a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms.

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 provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, space in the front row was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer excelled in cargo space, offering 775 litres 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 the Grand Wagoneer's additional weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system, which aided in visibility despite the vehicle's large hood.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with straightforward graphics and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior was spacious, with ample room in all rows, and the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort for long journeys. The vehicle offered a panoramic roof and numerous USB ports, enhancing passenger convenience. However, the air vents were somewhat small, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which could be noisy. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo space was versatile, with a 60/40 split bench rear seat option and a large central cubby for storage.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and could pair with two Bluetooth-enabled phones simultaneously. The second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with its Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air software updates, although the screen response was occasionally slow.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced technology features, particularly on upper trims. These included multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of upcoming turns. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The Summit Reserve trim boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereo options.

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

Similarly, 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 a variety of driver aids. The vehicle's safety features were comprehensive, although some advanced options were reserved for higher trims.