2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, built on Volvo’s SPA platform, showcased a near-luxury design with a focus on safety and innovation. Its elegant, tailored crossover design featured short overhangs, an upright grille with Volvo’s iron mark logo, and distinctive Thor’s hammer-shaped LED headlights. The interior was equally impressive, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere, highlighted by a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen and meticulously designed HVAC vents.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year’s Grand Cherokee L, maintained Jeep’s design traditions while offering a sportier, more compact option. Available in various trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee catered to a wide range of preferences. Its design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with a focus on quality and comfort, especially in higher trims. The Summit Reserve trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with premium leather, advanced audio systems, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with AWD, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the T8 Polestar Engineered variant pushing these figures to 415 hp. The XC60’s performance was characterized by its solid, secure feel, smooth suspension, and quiet cabin, making it an excellent choice for road trips. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV, with the T8 achieving 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 models had a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 models could tow up to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, catering to different off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, included features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Speed off-road cruise control. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 mpg combined for the V8 4WD to 21 mpg for the V6 models. The Grand Cherokee’s ride quality was excellent, with a nimble and athletic feel, especially without the Quadra-Lift suspension.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, making them ideal for cold weather. The heating system, including the rear glass heater and windshield defroster, performed exceptionally well in sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, with secure storage in the second row and intuitive controls. The XC60 provided 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 also rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence in various driving situations. The rear seats, however, were tight for adults with long legs. The Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L, with its three-row design, offered more cargo space and legroom.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style touchpad interface that divided the screen into function quadrants. While intuitive for frequent iPad users, it required a learning curve. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system in the test model was exceptional.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with voice recognition technology. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger added a unique entertainment option.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60 was also governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The new Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist systems provided additional safety measures. Active Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.