2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, offering a wide range of powertrains and personalization options. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark cues like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe embraced its heritage while incorporating modern design elements. The iconic seven-slot grille returned, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The test vehicle, an Overland trim, featured a silver exterior with a black roof and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a comfortable and upscale feel, with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. However, the presence of hard plastic materials raised concerns about long-term durability.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The SUV featured standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the variable-ratio, speed-sensing steering required a measured approach on winding roads. The Range Rover achieved an EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of the 5.7-liter V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 470 miles and an impressive 56 MPGe. The vehicle featured E Select powertrain modes, regenerative braking, and two off-road systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. The 4xe's electric powertrain provided instant torque, enhancing throttle control during slow-speed maneuvers. However, its towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers struggled with entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable and luxurious, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for the small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with a maximum cargo space of 59.8 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while not offering a third row, provided ample space for passengers. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 to 70.8 cubic feet. The air suspension's quick-down function facilitated loading and unloading. Despite the hot Texas weather during testing, the standard heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder conditions.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, could be navigated by those familiar with smartphones or tablets. The system's dual 10-inch touchscreens posed a distraction while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its customization options and My Pages feature. The vehicle included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch front-passenger display and a digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad was optional, while four USB ports were standard. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also offered optional rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition came with the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included intersection-collision assist, night vision, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A hands-off driver assistance feature was announced but required additional hardware. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Grand Cherokee 4xe at the time.