2023 BMW X1 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

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. The wheelbase stretched five inches, providing more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. This extra mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep introduced the L first as a 2021 model, delaying the two-row version until 2022. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot rectangular grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but modernized the lighting and improved the paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, with new exterior paint colors like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offered a luxurious experience with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The interior layout felt premium, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and tactile quality. Even in all-black, the interior provided enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable and visually stimulated. The lighter tan leather option added a touch of luxury, making it a space where passengers would want to keep clean.

The 2023 BMW X1 felt like an evolution of its predecessor, with a stronger and more refined design. The larger, squarer kidney grille signaled a readiness for more robust air intake. The door handles were flush with the sides, and standard LED headlights and taillights modernized the look. The X1's color palette expanded to 13 options, including new colors like Blue Bay Lagoon and Utah Orange. Our tester was painted Portimao Blue, an extra-cost color.

The X1 offered 18-inch wheels as standard, with options for 19-inch and 20-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires. The xLine design added silver accents and high-gloss body cladding, while the M Sport Package incorporated body-colored elements and the Shadowline exterior package. Inside, the cabin felt premium with the BMW Curved Display, long narrow vents, and clustered physical controls. The SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings were comfortable, and the M Sport Package added sport seats and an M leather steering wheel. The panoramic moonroof was a standout feature, extending far enough forward for front-row occupants to enjoy.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). A 48-volt hybrid system was available on Ram pickup trucks but not on the Grand Cherokee. However, the 4xe plug-in hybrid paired 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.

Our test vehicle had the V6, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. We found it underpowered for a vehicle of this size, requiring high revs to summon its full potential. The engine noise was intrusive, and the transmission's early upshifts didn't help. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better option, available only on higher trims with 4WD. Fuel economy for the V6 was decent at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The 4xe plug-in hybrid's estimates were not yet available.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a highlight, offering a stellar ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided a range of settings, from soft to firm, and the vehicle handled with precision. The air springs had five ride height settings, including an Access height for easier entry and exit and two off-road modes for up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The driving modes modulated various systems for different terrains, making it a versatile vehicle. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2023 BMW X1 received a power boost with its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 13 horsepower and 37 pound-feet from the previous model, allowing the X1 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and tow up to 3,500 pounds. An all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission replaced the eight-speed automatic, providing a more engaged driving experience with paddle shifters.

The Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems were upgraded for better comfort and stability, minimizing body roll and making the X1 feel agile. The ride was a bit stiff, but it added to the sense of driving a smaller, more agile vehicle. Visibility was good, with large windows and narrow pillars providing nice views from the front seat. The 2023 X1's EPA fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined, with Premium fuel recommended.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward graphics. The interface was sleeker and sharper, with physical switches for climate, seat controls, and stereo functions. The central rotary shifter was easy to learn, and there was ample storage space, including a wireless phone charging bin and a large central cubby. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. However, there were some legibility concerns with tiny graphics and occasional lag in the system.

The Grand Cherokee L offered plenty of space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench seat available as an option. A panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports made long journeys comfortable. However, the air vents were too small, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was quite loud.

The 2023 BMW X1's larger dimensions provided more space than the previous generation. Headroom was impressive at 42.1 inches in the front row and 39.3 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. The X1 offered 40.4 inches of front-row legroom and 37 inches in the back. Cargo space was also better than competitors, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

Heated seats were an optional $550 upgrade, which also included a heated steering wheel. While this felt a bit nickel-and-dime-y for a BMW, it was appreciated that they were offered as a standalone upgrade. The wireless charging pad, part of the Premium Package, was cleverly designed with a clasp to hold the phone in place, ensuring it stayed secure even on twisty roads.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of the next corner. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless, and two phones could be connected simultaneously. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers.

Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims added automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve came with a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, while lower trims had nine-speaker or six-speaker systems.

The 2023 BMW X1 featured the BMW Curved Display with a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to operate, with voice commands working well for climate control and the panoramic moonroof. The touchscreen functioned smoothly, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. BMW's Live Cockpit Plus was standard, with Live Cockpit Professional available as part of the Premium Package, adding a head-up display and augmented reality navigation.

The X1 had four USB-C ports, two in the front and two in the rear. The optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. The start/stop button and toggle-style gear selector were conveniently placed, with the vehicle automatically shifting into Park when shut off. The center console also featured a volume dial and buttons for various functions.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

For 2023, the BMW X1 included active blind-spot detection with an exit warning function, front-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and brake intervention as standard. The Active Driving Assistant Professional suite was newly available, offering speed limit assist, extended traffic-jam assistant, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. A 360-degree camera system was part of the Premium Package, and Active Park Distance Control and Back-Up Assistant were also available.