2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a welcome sight for a group of six weary travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. After a week in a rented Dodge Grand Caravan, the plush and roomy Expedition promised comfort. However, the SUV's inability to accommodate all their luggage was a significant drawback. Despite its luxurious Platinum trim, which includes features like Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition fell short in cargo space, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on her lap for the 40-mile ride home.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length and third-row seating, offered a more elegant and spacious design. The L model was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, providing ample legroom and wider rear doors. The Grand Cherokee L's design was both modern and recognizable as a Jeep, with features like a seven-slot rectangular grille and U-shaped wheel arches. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, making it feel like a premium vehicle.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in most trims, while the Platinum trim received a boost to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the specification. The SUV's acceleration was impressive, even with a full load, and the transmission operated smoothly. However, the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, which transmitted road shock into the cabin.

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. 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 a composed ride and precise steering. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, while the V8 managed 17 mpg combined.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured a comfortable ride, and storage space was plentiful. With the third-row seat folded, cargo volume expanded to 57.5 cubic feet, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with sleek graphics and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small and struggled to direct sufficient airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, while user-friendly, was showing its age with a small 8-inch touchscreen. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, and a navigation system. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging but lacked the available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a wealth of high-end features, especially in upper trims. These included multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower with RWD. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, which offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous parking assistance system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet 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. Higher trims offered additional safety features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition.