2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The seven-slot grille, a hallmark of Jeep's design, returned with a modern twist, featuring active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with a trim lineup that included the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, in particular, offered a blend of luxury and ruggedness with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of hard plastic materials, which detracted from the otherwise upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and elegance with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. The exterior was complemented by a matte Brunswick Green paint job and 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. Inside, the GV80 continued the theme of luxury with quilted leather seats, metal and matte wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with features like ventilated front and rear seats, a tri-zone climate control system, and a panoramic glass roof. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, while slightly awkwardly placed, added to the high-tech feel of the cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 470 miles and an all-electric range of 25 miles. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with two off-road systems available: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. Despite its fuel efficiency, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbo 3.5-liter V6, with the latter producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the GV80 was not particularly quick or nimble, it excelled at highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and a quiet ride thanks to its electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation. The GV80's towing capacity matched the Grand Cherokee 4xe at 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, offered ample space for passengers, with cargo space expanding from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The air suspension provided a quick-down function for easier loading and unloading. Despite the hot Texas weather during testing, the standard heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder climates.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an Ergo Motion driver's seat to reduce fatigue. While a third row was available, it was best suited for children due to limited legroom. The GV80 boasted a large cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The proximity key, digital key, and tri-zone climate control added to the convenience and comfort of the GV80.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its customization options and user-friendly interface. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included a 10.25-inch digital driver information display and optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, was a standout feature, offering exceptional audio quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment system had a learning curve, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 also featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside, and a head-up display for added convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered additional features like intersection-collision assist and night vision. However, the Grand Cherokee 4xe had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GV80's blind-spot monitoring system included a video feed in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view of the blind spot. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness and front crash prevention.