2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The Q5's overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured smartly grouped buttons, switches, and knobs, with high-quality materials like real wood and metal. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy visibility, and the second row was well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant SUV, instantly recognizable as a Jeep from any angle. It was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. The design included the iconic seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. New exterior paint colors were introduced for 2022, including Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky. Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offered a luxurious experience with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The interior layout was reminiscent of a Mercedes, providing a premium feel without sharing parts. The spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably, with second-row captain's chairs and a panoramic roof enhancing the experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and various driving modes, including battery-only and hybrid modes. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was stellar, offering ride composure and direct steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights and comfort levels. The Grand Cherokee L's driving modes, similar to Land Rover's, allowed for terrain-specific adjustments. The vehicle's towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and ample headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench seat available as an option. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin experience, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow, requiring the fan to be on high.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three views: classic, sport, and dynamic, providing a customizable and futuristic cabin experience. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, optimizing fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included, enhancing connectivity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. New for 2022, optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers were introduced. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense, and various driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.