2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive design, echoing the classic Series Land Rovers with its boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood. Despite these nostalgic elements, the Defender was a thoroughly modern vehicle, featuring rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that gave it a unique personality. The modern Defender was significantly larger than its predecessor, offering more interior space and better ergonomics. The interior design emphasized ruggedness with bare metal and exposed screws, while still incorporating luxury elements like leather and suede upholstery, making it both stylish and practical for off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a new model that adhered to Jeep's design traditions while introducing modern elements. It was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a range of trims from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the 1963 Wagoneer with its forward-leaning grille and headlights, and a black roof option added a contemporary touch. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of features from basic cloth seats to premium quilted leather, with a focus on comfort and quality. The Summit Reserve trim was particularly luxurious, with features like a McIntosh audio system and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A mid-level 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight was the new V8 engine, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road conditions with features like a 4WD system with low range and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 engine producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. The V6 had a towing capacity of 2,812 kilograms, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kg. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's Trailhawk trim was particularly adept off-road, with features like 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 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile interior configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 providing 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. While accessing the rear seats was challenging, they were surprisingly comfortable. The four-door Defender 110 offered more space, with up to 1,875 litres of cargo capacity in two-row versions. The interior design emphasized functionality, with a large centre-console storage bin and optional roof racks for additional cargo.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee focused on comfort and visibility, with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Higher trims offered features like ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. Rear-seat space was somewhat limited, but the Grand Cherokee L provided more legroom. 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 interior was designed for practicality, with improved sightlines and camera technologies enhancing driver confidence.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system was user-friendly, though the touchscreen required a firm touch. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was standard, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on most trims and a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration. The Grand Cherokee also offered a front passenger interactive display, providing entertainment options for the front-seat occupant.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which was common for luxury vehicles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. The new Active Driving Assist system provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of high-strength steel and aluminum, enhancing safety.