2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of its two-row sibling, designed with an additional 11.4 inches in length to incorporate a third row of seats. The increased wheelbase by five inches enhanced the second-row legroom and facilitated wider rear doors. Jeep cleverly introduced the L first, making the standard two-row Grand Cherokee seem truncated by comparison.

The exterior design of the Grand Cherokee L was seamlessly cohesive, with Jeep's recognizable seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. Jeep modernized its lighting, making it slimmer and brighter, while the paint finish and panel fit were significantly improved. From the base Laredo to the loaded Summit Reserve, all trims appeared striking, with higher-end trims featuring black roofs, larger wheels, and added chrome touches. For 2022, new paint colors—Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky—were available.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offered a premium experience with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and even a faux-suede roof. The interior exuded luxury that mirrored high-end vehicles like Mercedes, with no shared parts from previous models. Detailed craftsmanship provided a rich, comfortable ambiance, although the lighter tan leather option had some practical drawbacks regarding upkeep.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler showcased a different appeal rooted in its heritage and iconic design. Buyers had to choose between the classic two-door and the practical four-door models. Engine options included a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The choice between a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic further diversified the buyer’s decisions.

The Wrangler High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, came with LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop section, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and unique hood decals. The High Tide was set apart with the Xtreme Recon package, adding a 1.5-inch suspension lift, revised shock tuning, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires. The rugged off-road look was undeniable, with functional modifications for enhanced off-road performance.

Inside, the Wrangler High Tide’s interior remained basic, with a focus on durability and practicality. The seats were covered in hard-wearing cloth, and the use of plastic and rubber was prevalent, although there were some padded areas for comfort. The driving position was unique and offered a close connection to the vehicle's controls. Moreover, the open-top, windows-down experience was a significant part of what made the Wrangler feel so distinct.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with two traditional engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and could be equipped with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Unlike the Ram pickups, the Grand Cherokee L did not feature the hybrid system. However, the 4xe plug-in hybrid version, which had not been tested at the time, offered a promising 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors.

The V6 in the test model produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it required high revs to deliver this power, making it feel insufficient for a fully loaded vehicle. The V8, although offering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was reserved for higher trims and exclusive to 4WD models. Fuel economy for the Grand Cherokee L with the V6 was rated at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 delivered 14/22/17 mpg.

Despite these powertrain critiques, the Grand Cherokee L’s chassis was impressive, providing a composed ride and direct steering. The optional air suspension offered variable firmness and five ride height settings, facilitating both comfort and off-road capability. Jeep's advanced driving modes adapted the vehicle to different terrains, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds with 4WD made it versatile enough for family and recreational use.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, particularly in the High Tide trim, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification. This system added electric motor assist during acceleration and helped improve fuel economy. The V6 produced 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, the Wrangler offered a versatile driving experience.

Fuel economy for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 was EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined. However, with the Xtreme Recon package installed, real-world figures averaged closer to 16.8 mpg. Prospective buyers had to acclimate to frequent refueling stops, loud cabins, vague steering, and a rough ride—all characteristics that die-hard Wrangler fans appreciated for the immersive driving experience.

The Wrangler’s off-road prowess was where it truly shined. The Xtreme Recon package enhanced its capability significantly with features like a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and a reinforced hinge-gate. Despite its lofty starting price near $60,000, the Wrangler High Tide remained focused on rugged adventure rather than luxurious comfort.

Jeep designed the Grand Cherokee L with user convenience in mind. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was clear, straightforward, and easy to navigate, supported by physical switches for crucial controls like climate and audio. The central rotary shifter and organized stowage options enhanced the driving experience. The higher trims boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, though some graphic elements presented minor legibility issues.

In terms of space, the Grand Cherokee L excelled with ample room for passengers in all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs were standard, with an optional 60/40 split bench seat available. The panoramic roof and large windows contributed to a light, airy cabin, but the smaller air vents struggled to provide sufficient airflow, necessitating frequent adjustment of the fan.

Cargo-wise, the Grand Cherokee L had an edge over the Wrangler with sufficient capacity to cater to family and travel needs easily. It provided enough space for luggage and gear while also offering the versatility of third-row seating.

Conversely, the Wrangler’s functionality was linked to its rugged nature. Entry and exit were challenging due to the high suspension, and the manual seat height adjuster required frequent tweaks. The inside was durable but sparse, focusing on practicality over comfort. Visibility varied, with the bulky 35-inch spare tire hampering the rear view. However, the backup camera and optional forward-view camera helped navigate tricky terrains.

Rear passengers faced additional entry challenges but found decent accommodations once inside, complete with air conditioning vents and cupholders. Cargo access involved swinging a heavy tailgate with the spare tire, revealing a modest 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Grand Cherokee L offered a suite of advanced features, particularly in upper trims. Luxuries included 16-way power adjustable front seats with massage functions, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided adept highway steering, and new 10.3-inch and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV were available for passenger entertainment.

Standard tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims offered additional safety and convenience features, ensuring a tech-savvy and secure driving experience.

The Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim in the High Tide edition, had a more basic infotainment setup. The 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sufficed for core functions. An 8.4-inch Uconnect system with satellite radio, navigation, and an Alpine premium sound system was optional. Still, streaming services like Pandora and native phone apps provided necessary connectivity.

Additional tech included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated seats and steering wheel from the Cold Weather Group.

The safety profile of the 2022 Grand Cherokee L included standard driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and the driver aids previously mentioned. However, it had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS by the time of this review.

The Wrangler High Tide featured comprehensive safety upgrades through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. These additions included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Despite these features, the Wrangler’s crash-test ratings were underwhelming. The NHTSA gave it a three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the IIHS rated key crash-test metrics as Marginal or Poor, underscoring the necessity for cautious driving.