2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was introduced as a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing two-row Grand Cherokee. This longer version featured a third-row seat and more cargo volume, closely resembling the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. Its styling mirrored the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, giving it a smaller but equally luxurious appearance. With no wrong lines or odd proportions, this SUV stood out thanks to Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements.

The Grand Cherokee L was offered in various trim levels: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. Our test vehicle, in Summit trim with 4WD and several luxury packages, was priced at $64,770. While some interior materials might not fully justify the price tag, the Summit’s quilted leather, real wood trim, and technology-laden cabin marked a significant improvement from the older model.

Conversely, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetic presence. Characterized by a massive grille, vertical LED lights, and taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins, the Escalade’s design emphasized its considerable bulk. The front end resembled a diesel locomotive with its tall hood and locomotive-inspired lighting. Despite its overall integration into GM's SUV family, the Escalade managed to maintain a distinct appearance. The 22-inch wheels on our test vehicle even looked modest compared to the expansive sheet metal.

The Escalade offered "luxury" and "sport" models, differing primarily in exterior trim. The Escalade Luxury and Premium Luxury featured bright exterior trim, while the Sport models had darker trim, including a mesh grille. Riding on the same body-on-frame architecture as its GM siblings, the Escalade’s interior combined leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. However, it lacked a unique design theme to rival the Lincoln Navigator’s midcentury-modern-inspired look and was marred by some cheaper plastic components.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems. With a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined, this engine offered decent performance. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only on higher trims and 4WD models, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft torque, raising towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but dropping fuel economy to 17 mpg combined.

Our test vehicle, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, provided brisk acceleration but was audibly loud at high revs. It averaged just 17.8 mpg, falling short of expectations. Despite various driving modes like Sport and off-road settings, the normal mode offered 8.3 inches of ground clearance, extendable to 10.9 inches. The Quadra-Lift suspension ensured confident handling and a smooth ride, making the Grand Cherokee L feel sturdy and comfortable both off-road and during daily driving.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft torque, and a $100 optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft torque. Both engines were teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard RWD or optional 4WD. For high-performance, a 2023 Escalade-V with a 682-hp supercharged V8 was also available.

During our test with the diesel engine, the Escalade performed admirably. Despite its lower horsepower, the smooth power delivery and impressive low-end torque provided sufficient propulsion. However, an overly firm brake pedal detracted from confidence. The gasoline engine had a slightly higher towing capacity of 8,200 pounds (compared to the diesel’s 8,100 pounds), still falling short of the Lincoln Navigator’s 8,700 pounds.

Though equipped with independent rear suspension for a smoother ride, our test Escalade felt unsettled, continually jiggling and pitching, particularly over uneven surfaces. Compared to both unibody SUVs like the BMW X7 and equally truck-like models, it lacked the desired comfort and composure.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized comfort, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment and a heated steering wheel in the Summit trim. Equipped with a four-zone automatic climate control system, it provided ample air vents across all three rows. However, during testing in Southern California’s July heat, the dashboard vents proved insufficient for rapidly cooling the cabin, resulting in prolonged noise from the fan.

With standard captain’s chairs in the second row or an optional bench seat, the Jeep offered commendable legroom and comfort. Notably, the captain’s chairs could slide forward without removing child safety seats. The third-row seating was also comfortable for most adults, enhanced by large side windows. Practical storage in the front was lacking, but the second-row console provided useful space for both second and third-row passengers. Cargo-wise, the Grand Cherokee L boasted 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, and reaching 84.6 cubic feet at maximum capacity.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, offered a commodious cabin. The standard model measured 211.9 inches in length, extending to 227 inches in the ESV variant. This platform sharing allowed the Escalade to provide superior first and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Second-row captain’s chairs and a power-folding third-row bench seat came standard, with a second-row bench seat as a no-cost option.

In terms of cargo space, the Escalade outperformed its rivals, offering 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a vast 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Although spacious, the interior functionality had some flaws. The raised center console had limited storage space, and the 12-way power adjustable front seats lacked distinction, feeling similar to those in its GM counterparts. However, essential features like seat heating and ventilation controls and large sun visors were well-executed.

Jeep's latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system in the Grand Cherokee L featured improved speed and user experience with 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch touchscreen options.The larger screen in our test vehicle, stationed between the center air vents and climate controls, presented some initial user quirks but became intuitive over time. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked reasonably well, even with occasional odd results.

Our test vehicle also came with a 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system, praised for its sound quality, especially heavy bass, though the McIntosh logo seemed out of place. Other impressive features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. Notably, the head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

Cadillac's 38-inch curved OLED display in the Escalade stood out as one of the most sophisticated in the automotive market. Comprised of three screens—a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen—it delivered a seamless and functional interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard. The dashboard integration and icon arrangement enhanced usability and aesthetics. Additionally, physical toggles for climate control and other key functions maintained practicality.

Some minor issues included a cumbersome radio station carousel and an awkward rotary controller. However, the impressive OLED screens provided unparalleled resolution for the 360-degree camera system, bolstered by the rearview camera mirror. Additional tech features like a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation further enhanced the Escalade’s appeal. Despite these strengths, the 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system's tuning was challenging, occasionally distorting the sound for front-seat occupants.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. This system aimed to ease long highway trips, though it required drivers to monitor it closely. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane-change responses were sometimes abrupt. For 2022, Jeep planned to upgrade this system to hands-free functionality.

Other notable safety features included Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detecting threats from the side at intersections and applying brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids encompassed a comprehensive suite of collision avoidance and driving assistance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.

At the time of this review, crash-test ratings for the Grand Cherokee L were unavailable. However, improvements over the outdated structure and engineering of its predecessor were anticipated.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking (front and rear), and front and rear park assist. Lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning, along with the innovative Safety Alert Seat, were also included. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with trailer blind-spot monitoring on top trims. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option on most trims, offered advanced hands-free driving with highway mapping and driver-monitoring features.

Our experience with Super Cruise highlighted its smooth and natural responses, making it ideal for a large SUV like the Escalade. Though there were occasional disengagements, its capability to steer, brake, and accelerate on highways and execute lane changes autonomously impressed us.

While the Escalade was adept at avoiding crashes with its advanced systems, its crash protection capabilities remained unverified as the IIHS and NHTSA had not yet published safety ratings for this model year.