2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

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 poised to attract buyers with its appealing design, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's styling was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in multiple trim levels, the Grand Cherokee L offered a range of prices, with the Summit trim featuring luxurious touches like quilted leather and real wood trim, although some interior materials fell short of expectations at higher price points.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's luxury SUVs. Its design was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, with a sporty, lowered profile that retained the brand's iconic proportions. The Velar's exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, with features like flush door handles and distinctive taillight lenses. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek and modern, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite being a base trim, the interior maintained a sense of luxury, with fit and finish that were exemplary.

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 a choice of three 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration, though it was loud when revved, and the eight-speed automatic sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered a smooth ride, with various off-road modes enhancing its capability. The SUV's handling was capable, and its structure provided a smooth ride and stout feel.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering that set it apart from previous Land Rovers. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The optional air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush ride and could raise the body for increased clearance. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but its street-focused design limited off-road capability. An optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered higher performance, with up to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque in the R-Dynamic HSE trim.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with features like heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were 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 comfortable for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 84.6 cubic feet with seats folded. However, practical storage space for front-seat occupants was limited.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with reduced headroom and limited visibility due to thick pillars and small windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the Velar's interior design choices sometimes prioritized style over function.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a thermal-imaging night vision system. The head-up display was visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was more reliable than previous versions, with a simplified layout and customizable options. It included features like a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered advanced features like traffic detours and off-road measurements. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Intersection Collision Assist was standard on Summit models, detecting threats at intersections. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including park assist features. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.