2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, which contributed to a sleeker appearance. The grille was more upright and flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to its predecessor. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, it didn't adopt the rugged styling of some competitors like the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4. The interior featured a creatively designed dashboard with a central touchscreen and large air vents, offering decent materials and fit and finish for its price range. The new RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, although the subdued interior was not to everyone's taste.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L retained its classic style while extending its length by more than a foot. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark gray wheels, creating a bold look. The interior of upper trims was luxurious, with features like a polished black dash, metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching. While not every material was top-tier, the overall feel was justified for its price. The Grand Cherokee L offered a sophisticated and classy interior, surpassing many competitors in the midsize segment. The vehicle's design combined quintessential Jeep elements with modern touches, ensuring it remained stylish and ready for the future.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the Equinox had more torque than many rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The engine performed well in city driving, with peak torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, but it struggled at higher speeds, feeling coarse and unresponsive. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the vehicle wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of competitors like the Honda CR-V.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was considered its weakest element. The sport mode improved throttle response but didn't allow the eight-speed automatic transmission to upshift to top gear in regular driving. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque was optional, offering better towing capacity and a fantastic sound. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for smooth cornering. Jeep offered three four-wheel drive systems, with the Grand Cherokee L capable of cycling through five height settings for ground clearance. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were impressive, making it tougher than most competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was somewhat lacking, and the absence of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and an unobstructed forward view, although rear visibility was hampered by a small rear window. The vehicle's cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded. A power liftgate was available, but the Equinox lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length allowed for more legroom in the second row, with captain's chairs standard on all trims. The third row was tight for adults but suitable for children. The vehicle offered good visibility from the driver's seat, with a well-organized layout of buttons and controls. Cargo space was ample, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. This max cargo capacity was among the best in its class, providing plenty of room for various needs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument-cluster screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The addition of wireless connectivity was a significant advantage, although the center-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally quick and easy to use, despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available as a standalone option on upper trims. The vehicle offered a range of tech features, including night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could play video and control navigation. The Grand Cherokee L's tech offerings were extensive, surpassing many competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.