2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards a more upscale, luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90. The SUV's design featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight detail, all contributing to its athletic and luxurious appearance. Inside, the XC90 boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and options for leather or tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by over 30 centimetres, offering a more spacious interior without losing its iconic style. The High Altitude package added bold elements like a blacked-out grille and dark grey 21-inch wheels, enhancing its rugged yet upscale look. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with features like a polished black dash, diamond-patterned stitching, and aluminum speaker grilles. While some materials were not top-tier, the overall feel was luxurious, especially in the higher trims. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined traditional Jeep elements with modern touches, ensuring it remained a standout in its class.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was notable for its minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model, which provided spirited acceleration and a seamless blend of gasoline and electric power.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower, was considered underwhelming for its size. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 hp, offered better performance, especially for towing, with a capacity of up to 3,265 kilograms. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance. However, the steering was noted to be less responsive. The SUV's four-wheel-drive systems were robust, offering permanent engagement for all four wheels, making it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it cramped. The XC90 offered up to 1,855 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded and could tow up to 2,250 kilograms. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The climate control system performed well even in extreme conditions, ensuring comfort in both summer and winter.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,407 litres available with both rear rows folded. The interior featured a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a well-organized dashboard with easy access to controls. However, some issues with the infotainment system's legibility were noted, which could be frustrating for users.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported, and the Advanced package offered a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 also included multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with Uconnect 5, featuring an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system was generally quick, though some legibility issues were present. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of tech features, including night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control navigation and cameras. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional McIntosh sound system provided good audio quality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and the Pilot Assist system, which offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received high ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like night vision and 360-degree cameras enhanced its safety offerings.