Land Rover Range Rover vs Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover presented a subtle evolution in design, maintaining its iconic broad, rounded face and expansive sheet metal. The most noticeable change was at the rear, where the square taillights were replaced with sleek LED strips integrated into a darker trim. The interior was simplified, featuring a larger touchscreen and fewer buttons, yet retained its luxurious feel with premium leather and rich wood trims. The Range Rover's cabin exuded a sense of opulence, with a solid build quality that was evident even on rough roads. It was a benchmark for luxury, surpassing competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 in terms of interior refinement.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, particularly in the Trailhawk trim, was marked by its sky blue detailing and matte-black hood decal. While it boasted rugged off-road capabilities, the interior fell short of luxury expectations. The use of plastic and gloss black surfaces detracted from its upscale aspirations. The seats, though equipped with heating and ventilation, were firm and lacked the comfort expected at this price point. The Grand Cherokee's interior prioritized style over utility, with controls that were difficult to read and access. Despite its off-road prowess, the daily driving experience was marred by an unrefined engine sound and uneven power delivery.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: a base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, and an upgraded P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive system. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response system, which adjusted the suspension and drivetrain for optimal traction.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kWh battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. The Trailhawk trim included a standard 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and Selec-Terrain technology for various driving modes. Despite its impressive off-road specs, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's performance in daily driving was less refined. The gas engine sounded unrefined, and the regenerative braking system made smooth stops challenging. However, it offered quick acceleration in Hybrid mode and handled road imperfections with ease.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. The front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large centre console bin. The second row offered generous space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was less spacious, suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded significantly with the seats folded, aided by a split tailgate for easier loading.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, however, struggled with practical storage and cargo space. The Trailhawk trim featured artificial suede and leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, but the front seats were firm and flat. The second-row seats were mounted low, compromising comfort and rear legroom. Cargo space behind the back seat was 1,067 litres, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded, which was small for a midsize SUV. The power liftgate facilitated access, but the overall cargo capacity was less than some compact SUVs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover was equipped with a 13-inch touchscreen and the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a front passenger infotainment screen. The Trailhawk's infotainment system used Uconnect 5 technology, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, the graphics were low-contrast, making the display hard to read. The Alpine premium sound system was standard, with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system available on higher trims. The Trailhawk also featured a 10.3-inch infotainment screen for the front passenger, supporting Bluetooth, USB, and HDMI connectivity.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with driver assist and safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, with the surround-view cameras proving especially helpful off-road. However, some advanced features offered by rivals were absent.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Advanced ProTech Group II added features like intersection collision assist, a surround-view camera, and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe variant.