2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade made a bold and imposing first impression with its massive size and unapologetic dimensions. It distinguished itself through its impressive grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights, reminiscent of classic Cadillacs' sky-high tailfins. The front end, with a tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights, exuded a locomotive-like stance. This amalgamation of design elements made the Escalade stand out from other General Motors full-size SUVs, clearly emphasizing its bulk. The 22-inch wheels on the test car seemed almost dwarfed by the vehicle's vast body.

Cadillac offered different trim packages to cater to varying aesthetic preferences. The Escalade Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featured bright exterior trim and wheels, while the Escalade Sport had darkened trim, including a mesh grille. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC Yukon, the Escalade maintained its unique, luxury-oriented identity. The cabin, lush with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, ticked the right boxes but lacked a cohesive design theme and included some cheap-looking plastic bits.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was just as impressive and had the added elegance of stretching an extra 11.4 inches compared to its standard two-row sibling, to accommodate a third row of seats. Jeep introduced this extended version first, creating a visual impression that made the standard model look truncated. Signature Jeep design elements such as the seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end were evident. The modern, slimmer and brighter lighting, improved panel fit, and paint finish elevated the SUV's sophistication, even in its base Laredo trim. Higher trims like the Summit and Summit Reserve boasted black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L went above and beyond, delivering an enriched atmosphere akin to premium brands. Dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum accents, quilted Nappa leather, and faux-suede roof lining offered a commendable sense of luxury. Despite its impressive attributes, the V6 engine noise filter into the cabin during acceleration detracted slightly from the overall luxurious feel.

The Escalade delivered performance through two powertrain options, both familiar to GM customers. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 generated 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. For an additional $100, buyers could opt for the Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and came with either standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel drive (4WD).

Testing the diesel model revealed no significant power shortcomings despite the engine's lower horsepower compared to the V8. Smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak of 1,500 rpm provided a solid driving experience, especially when pulling away from a stop. However, brake pedal feel left much to be desired, feeling overly hard and uninspiring confidence.

Towing capacity for the gasoline engine topped out at 8,200 pounds, which was 100 pounds more than the diesel but still lagging behind competitors like the Lincoln Navigator, which could handle 8,700 pounds. The ride quality, although enhanced with independent rear suspension, air suspension, and Magnetic Ride Control dampers, still felt unsettled. Vibrational waves and an always-jiggling body made the experience less comforting than expected from a luxury SUV.

On the other hand, the Grand Cherokee L offered two engines: a basic 3.6-liter V6 and a potent 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either RWD or 4WD. The 4xe plug-in hybrid variant combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, delivering a commendable 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

During the V6 test, the engine felt underpowered, requiring high revs to deliver its 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which was particularly noticeable when the vehicle was fully loaded. The cabin let in a fair amount of engine noise during acceleration, disrupting the otherwise well-insulated environment. The transmission’s early upshifts also didn’t synchronize well with the engine’s performance, making manual mode with paddle shifters a preferred choice.

By contrast, the V8 sound and power delivery were significantly better, offering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The fuel economy for the V6 stood at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 achieved lower figures at 14/22/17 mpg. Ratings for the 4xe hybrid were not available at the time of review.

Yet, the true saving grace of the Grand Cherokee L’s performance was its chassis. Delivering a stellar ride composure and direct steering feel for a vehicle of its size, the optional air suspension offered a versatile range of settings from ultra-soft to firm memory foam-like comfort. The adjustable ride height and robust off-road modes positioned it well for varying terrains, although true off-road enthusiasts might want to opt for the Overland trim with all-terrain tires and the Off-Road Group package.

The 2022 Escalade’s shared platform with other GM full-size SUVs translated to a sprawling interior space. The standard model stretched 211.9 inches, with the extended ESV variant reaching 227 inches. The Escalade led its class in first-row and third-row legroom, although the Lincoln Navigator offered more headroom for second-row passengers.

Second-row captain’s chairs were standard, with an optional 60/40 power-folding bench seat available. Cargo capacity was notably expansive: 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and an impressive 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats down. However, some functional issues such as limited center console storage somewhat hindered its practicality.

Similarly, the Grand Cherokee L offered abundant space in all seating rows. The third row was notably comfortable for adults over extended periods, and the standard second-row captain’s chairs could be swapped for a 60/40 split bench seat option. Sweepingly large windows, a panoramic roof, and abundant USB ports were thoughtful additions for long journeys. However, small air vents struggled to provide adequate airflow, detracting from passenger comfort in the rear.

Cargo capacity figures for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L were competitive but not as generous as the Escalade. The trunk space holds its own and excels by offering practical storage solutions such as the large central cubby under the armrest and a wireless charging bin.

The Escalade set a high bar with its impressive 38-inch curved OLED infotainment display, composed of three interlinked screens. A 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip computer functions created a modern and cohesive visual experience. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The sophisticated screen setup fit seamlessly into the dashboard, with icons arranged for both aesthetics and functionality. Some elements, such as the carousel radio station format and a seemingly tacked-on rotary controller, fell short. Despite these minor issues, the ultra-high-resolution screens made features like the 360-degree camera system and rearview camera mirror standout. Augmented-reality navigation and night vision were also available, alongside a somewhat challenging-to-tune 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system.

For the Grand Cherokee L, higher trims were loaded with premium features such as multiple massage modes for 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The 10.1-inch touchscreen on mid-to-high trims and a new-for-2022 passenger-facing 10.3-inch screen enhanced the tech experience. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims.

Jeep’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its simplicity and sleek design, sometimes displayed tiny graphics and occasional lag. Higher trims also featured a crystal-clear 360-degree camera system, a rear-facing camera for the second and third rows, and a relatively underwhelming 19-speaker McIntosh stereo system on the Summit Reserve trim.

The 2022 Escalade came equipped with a plethora of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were included in Premium Luxury and higher trims, and trailer blind-spot monitoring was available on the Premium Luxury Platinum trim and above. Super Cruise, an advanced driver-assist system that offered truly hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, was a notable feature at an extra cost.

While these safety features were impressive, the Escalade had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, leaving a gap in safety confidence compared to tested rivals.

Similarly, the 2022 Grand Cherokee L had not yet undergone crash testing by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. Driver assists previously mentioned were also part of its robust safety suite. Higher trims offered enhancements like front cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.