2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it offered a unique design, it didn't quite resemble an SUV, a common trait among many EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended body, provided a third row of seats, making it 11.4 inches longer than the standard Grand Cherokee. Its design seamlessly integrated the extra length, maintaining Jeep's recognizable features like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches. The Grand Cherokee L exuded elegance across all trim levels, from the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, which boasted black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. The interior was a testament to luxury, with high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. The Grand Cherokee L's design and tactile quality rivaled that of a Mercedes, offering a premium experience without shared parts.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 initially launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. with a passenger car since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version, introduced later in 2021, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, it offered a balanced driving experience with its RWD setup. The AWD version provided additional power and traction, enhancing its performance on twisty roads. However, the ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, it didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, offering a composed ride and precise steering. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride heights, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds for RWD models to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console, offering limited storage space. Heated seats and a steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches complemented the touchscreen, offering easy access to climate and stereo controls. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench seat option available. A panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced the cabin experience, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was designed for comfort, with thoughtful features like a large central cubby and wireless phone charging.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of high-end features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. New for 2022, an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen was available for the front passenger, along with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens for rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, an automated lane-centering system, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The Grand Cherokee L also included a range of driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.