2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it an appealing choice for those transitioning from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. Its exterior closely resembled the gasoline version, with subtle differences like a solid panel grill and "Recharge" badging. The SUV maintained Volvo's signature style with features like Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 offered a spacious and airy cabin, showcasing Volvo's Scandinavian design sensibility. The harmonious dash elements and premium finishes elevated the XC40 Recharge to a genuine luxury SUV status.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk trim was marked by its sky blue detailing and matte-black hood decal, emphasizing its rugged off-road capabilities. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were nice touches, but the overall interior leaned more towards style than substance. The Trailhawk's controls were often hard to read, and the seating comfort was compromised by firm, flat seats and low-mounted second-row cushions. Despite these drawbacks, the Trailhawk's steering wheel controls were user-friendly, and the vehicle excelled in off-road conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a thrilling drive, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and dual electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, impressive for a compact SUV. The Recharge featured regenerative braking, allowing drivers to engage one-pedal driving for energy conservation. Its low centre of gravity and familiar suspension setup contributed to excellent handling. The XC40 Recharge boasted a range of 359 km on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery, producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It offered a towing capacity of 2,720 kg and featured a 4WD system with Selec-Terrain technology for various driving modes. Despite its off-road prowess, the Trailhawk's fuel economy fell short, with an estimated 42 km of electric range and 11.7 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The regenerative braking system was less refined, and the vehicle's handling felt sketchy due to fast steering response and body lean.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions like a front trunk for the charging cable and ample cabin cubbies. The front seats provided comfort, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers. The XC40 offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kg.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with storage and cargo space, partly due to its off-roading hardware. The Trailhawk featured artificial suede and leather seats with heating and ventilation, but seating comfort was compromised by firm, flat cushions. The rear legroom was tight, and cargo space was limited to 1,067 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with tech, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend range. Its infotainment system featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on Android Automotive with Google integration. The system supported OTA updates, but the range display relied on a percentage of charge, which could cause range anxiety.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5. It offered wireless smartphone integration, a navigation system, and an Alpine sound system. However, the display's low-contrast graphics were hard to read, and the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Trailhawk also featured a 10.3-inch passenger infotainment screen, which went unused during testing.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and featured extensive safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. Its new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other vehicles.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Advanced ProTech Group II added features like intersection collision assist and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rating excluded the 4xe powertrain. The Trailhawk's lane-departure warning system issued false alerts, and the adaptive cruise control was less responsive than desired.