2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fresh addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo space. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L was expected to sell well due to its appealing styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer models. The SUV maintained classic Jeep design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, and was available in multiple trim levels, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, which was tested, boasted luxurious features like quilted leather and real wood trim, though some interior materials did not meet the high price point's expectations.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while borrowing some styling cues from other Genesis models, maintained a unique appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that added a sporty touch. The Sport Prestige model had distinctive styling elements, including 21-inch wheels and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's design was inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with a minimalistic approach that included a rotary gear selector and infotainment controller. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, though base models had leatherette seats. The GV70's design combined ruggedness with sleekness, appealing to those seeking both style and functionality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different four-wheel-drive systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. However, this upgrade reduced fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration but was noisy when revved. The Grand Cherokee L featured various driving modes, including Sport and Selec-Terrain off-road modes, and the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The SUV excelled in off-road capabilities, with the Overland model being the only Trail Rated version. On the road, the Grand Cherokee L provided a smooth ride and capable handling, though it could feel soft over uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and kept the engine in its power band, though the chassis lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 felt more comfortable on highways, but its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury feel. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with features like heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, and the third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers had a storage console. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2022 Genesis GV70's interior space was average for its segment. It offered similar headroom to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3, with adequate legroom in both rows. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The GV70's daring interior design compromised storage space, with limited room in the center console and door pockets. However, it included a covered storage cubby with USB ports. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. It came with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, with the larger screen in the test vehicle. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo seemed out of place. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, night vision system, and Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller offered pinch-and-zoom functionality. Higher trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 featured a digital-key system, allowing drivers to use a smartphone instead of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. The rear-seat monitor used radar to detect a baby's breathing, and the 360-degree camera system could be activated remotely. Genesis Connected Services, included free for three years, offered additional features like driver profiles and valet mode.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were overly responsive. The system was expected to become hands-free in the 2022 model year. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. It also had eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2, which added lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided smooth control inputs, though lane-centering struggled with curves. Crash-test ratings were not available for the GV70 at the time of review.