2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Volvo XC60

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, largely due to its appealing design. It bore a resemblance to the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, making it unmistakably a Jeep. Available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L offered a range of prices and features, though some interior materials did not quite match the high price tag of the Summit trim. Nevertheless, the interior was a significant improvement over previous models, with luxurious leather and wood trim, and a wealth of technology.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia and rear bumper. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, it shared its underpinnings with other Volvo models. The interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Despite the lack of dramatic changes, the XC60 continued to provide a comfortable and stylish environment for its occupants.

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 and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. 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 but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration, though it was noisy at high revs, and the transmission was generally well-behaved. The Grand Cherokee L featured various driving modes, including Sport and Selec-Terrain off-road modes, with the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension enhancing ride quality. The SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride, and its handling was competent, aided by variable-ratio steering and large wheels.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. The B5 combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 added an electric supercharger, delivering 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The mild-hybrid system provided smooth power delivery, and the XC60 excelled in offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with its Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were small, making it challenging to cool the cabin quickly. The second row featured captain's chairs with 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, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded, while plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, and large exterior mirrors aided in driving without relying heavily on driver aids.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response 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. A natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase was also available. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, night vision system, and Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system integrated Android-specific features, including Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. It supported over-the-air software updates and offered full iPhone compatibility. The infotainment redesign featured a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

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. Intersection Collision Assist was standard on Summit models, detecting threats at intersections and applying 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 Volvo XC60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.