2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, though no longer purely Swedish, benefited greatly from its acquisition by Geely Holding Group. This transition allowed Volvo to shed its Ford-imposed constraints and innovate with new platforms and engineering. The XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's design featured an elegant, tailored crossover look with short overhangs, athletic body sides, and crisp details. The upright grille with Volvo’s iron mark logo and Thor’s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a distinct Swedish touch. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the interior boasted clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura, epitomizing Scandinavian style.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, added 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase was extended by five inches, providing more legroom and wider rear doors. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep’s recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The Grand Cherokee L offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, even in the third row, and featured a sweeping panoramic roof and ample USB ports.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 models, with AWD, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a turbocharger and supercharger. The T8 models, also AWD, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant offered 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 T8 PHEV could drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone and achieved 27 mpg combined, or 57 MPGe in electric-only mode. The XC60 provided a solid, secure, and smooth driving experience, with excellent handling and a quiet cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. The V6, while adequate, struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in a noisy and coarse driving experience. The V8, available only on higher trims, provided better performance and a satisfying sound. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, offering a smooth ride and precise handling. The optional air suspension provided five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 managed 14/22/17 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and an effective heating system. The XC60 excelled in winter conditions, with heated seats, a powerful heating system, and effective defrosters. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it a practical and comfortable space. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's spacious feel. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy. The Grand Cherokee L provided a comfortable and practical interior, with plenty of storage and easy-to-use controls.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system was intuitive for frequent iPad users, with swipe, pinch, and pull gestures. The screen was divided into function quadrants, making it easy to navigate. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of high-end features, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of the next corner. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and various mitigation systems. Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60 was governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring a secure driving experience.