2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. Its wheelbase stretched an additional five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as a 2021 model, before the two-row version, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finishes. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, achieving a classy yet sporty appearance. It was available in two body styles: the regular SUV and the Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. The Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was smaller than some competitors, but the materials quality remained good. The Q5's build quality was sturdy, with no squeaks or creaks over rough surfaces, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). A 48-volt hybrid system was not available, but the 4xe plug-in hybrid provided a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, with engine noise permeating the cabin. The V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, was more robust and available on higher trims. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings and various driving modes for different terrains. It had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices: the base 40 TFSI with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, the midrange 45 TFSI with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, and the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The Q5 Sportback was only available with the 45 TFSI engine. The plug-in hybrid offered an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration, but power was adequate once underway. The Q5 handled well, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The cabin remained quiet, with minimal road and wind noise.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were insufficient for airflow.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and physical controls for climate settings. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided up to 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less in the Sportback.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch screens for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with Audi Connect Care service available for a limited time. Mid-range trims featured a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and matrix-design LED headlights.