2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive appearance and sound. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with subtle differences like a "4xe" badge, sky blue accents, and a power port at the windshield's base. When the battery was charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, painted in Firecracker Red and equipped with Rubicon trim, was priced at $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler interior with a few PHEV-specific features like blue stitching and charging indicators. The controls were functionally laid out, and the interior, while simple, was more refined than previous models, though luxury was not its focus.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, offered a third row of seats and more legroom, making it a family-friendly option. Its design was elegant and unmistakably Jeep, featuring a modernized grille and lighting. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials like quilted Nappa leather and real wood. The vehicle's spaciousness was notable, accommodating adults comfortably in all rows. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some graphics were hard to read. The Grand Cherokee L's air suspension provided a smooth ride, and its driving modes adjusted various systems for optimal performance. It was a vehicle designed for comfort and style, with a focus on on-road performance.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to choose between maximizing power, running on electric power alone, or conserving battery for later use. The Wrangler 4xe could travel an estimated 21 miles on electric power alone, with a total range of 370 miles. During testing, it averaged 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 miles driven on electricity. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its upgraded four-wheel-drive system, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 was found lacking in power for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension that adjusted ride height for different driving conditions. The vehicle's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum of 7,200 pounds for 4WD models. While the V6's fuel economy was decent at 21 mpg combined, the V8's was lower at 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in on-road comfort and handling, making it a strong contender for families seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles to assist entry and exit. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a clear view of the road. Storage space was limited due to the center console's design, but rear passengers had access to air vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when folded. The Wrangler's tailgate design could be cumbersome, but it was part of the vehicle's charm.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and audio controls. The interior was spacious, with ample room for passengers in all rows. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with an optional bench seat for additional seating. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's airy feel. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with thoughtful features for long journeys.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's technology focused on its hybrid powertrain and 4WD system, with data displays for each. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, the system showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. Charging indicators on the dashboard provided a quick view of battery status, and the Trip Summary panel offered charging time estimates.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology, especially in upper trims. Features included massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, with additional options for higher trims. The Grand Cherokee L's technology was comprehensive and catered to tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The LED headlights were rated Marginal by the IIHS, and the vehicle received a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA. However, the Wrangler tipped over in small-overlap frontal-impact tests, earning a Marginal rating for driver protection.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The vehicle's safety equipment was comprehensive, with various driver aids available across trims.