2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD and several premium options, totaling $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing, and the vehicle was loaded with technology.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy cars of the past, maintaining the brand's family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving into the luxury class. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, was Volvo's flagship SUV, riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model had a sleek, athletic stance with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, exuding quality with superior fit and finish. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. Our test car had leather seats, which proved comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity.

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 and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. Our test vehicle, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L averaged 17.8 mpg in our testing, below expectations. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, with 8.3 inches of ground clearance in Normal mode and up to 10.9 inches in Off-Road settings. The SUV handled well, with variable-ratio steering and large 20-inch wheels, and was easy to park thanks to its surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine generating 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were available with FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 FWD achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, while the T5 AWD was rated at 23 mpg combined. The T6 AWD had a rating of 22 mpg combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid had a combined rating of 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe, with an 18-mile EV range. The extended-range variant had a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, 66 MPGe, and a 36-mile EV range. Charging the battery took about five hours at 240 volts. Our test vehicle, a T8 Inscription extended range, offered spirited acceleration with smooth power delivery from the electric motor, making it fun to drive despite its size.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with 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 too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants but had a useful storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin with a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, cooling the cabin quickly and efficiently.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, which offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system had a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase, which worked well in our tests. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo didn't fit the interior's vibe. Other available 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. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with familiar smartphone gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. It worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy customization and crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. The SUV had two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While the system worked well, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were overly responsive. For the 2022 model year, Active Driving Assist was set to become a hands-free system. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Other available safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane and at a set speed with minimal driver intervention. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.