2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Cadillac XT5

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 five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The additional length and mass blended seamlessly into the body, 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 in 2022, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finish. 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 Cadillac XT5 aimed to deliver affordable luxury but fell short in some areas. Its cabin, while spacious and intuitively laid out, featured materials more akin to a Buick or top-trim Chevy than a luxury brand. The XT5 offered good headroom and legroom, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the airy feel. The cabin retained physical controls, providing an intuitive experience, though it felt dated compared to rivals. The XT5's cargo space was a strong point, with 30 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite these strengths, the XT5's interior lacked the refinement and unique appeal found in competitors like the Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 producing 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 was found lacking in power for the vehicle's size, requiring high revs and producing noticeable engine noise. The V8, available on higher trims, provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering precision, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights and modes for various terrains. 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 mpg.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. An optional V6 engine offered 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. While the V6 provided better performance, the XT5 lacked driving excitement with either engine. Handling was decent, but ride quality suffered on rough roads, with more cabin noise and vibration than expected. The XT5's performance was overshadowed by rivals like the Porsche Macan and BMW X3, which offered more power and refinement. Fuel economy for the turbo-four with FWD was 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the V6 with AWD achieved 18/25/21 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's openness, though the air vents were insufficient for airflow, requiring a noisy fan on high.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's interior had more hard plastics than expected but offered useful storage spaces, including a deep center console bin. Front-seat ergonomics were good, with easy access to controls, while rear storage was less generous. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the seats folded. The wide liftgate opening and low load floor made accessing the cargo area easy, offering competitive space in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims boasted premium features like 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 rear-seat displays. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring, with additional options on higher trims.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 featured the CUE infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was intuitive and responsive, with physical controls for climate and steering wheel functions. A Bose premium audio system, wireless charging, and navigation were available. The XT5's infotainment was competitive, though not as advanced as some rivals, offering a balance of simplicity and functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by 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 Cadillac XT5's 2021 model received top "Good" scores in crash tests but missed a Top Safety Pick award due to "Marginal" headlights and "Advanced" vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a vibrating safety alert seat. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, enhanced emergency braking, and more.