2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 in 2022, 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 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately midsize SUV just over 16 feet long. Standard 19-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloys in the Prestige trim, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. The interior continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, complemented by metal and matte wood trim. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Despite a minor quibble with the 14.5-inch infotainment screen's placement, the spacious and luxurious interior was a pleasant environment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two 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 or four-wheel drive. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying performance. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, although untested, promised 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 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 for various terrains. The maximum towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came exclusively with all-wheel drive, offering a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbo 3.5-liter V6. The latter, equipped in our tester, delivered 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking around five and a half seconds to reach sixty mph. It handled turns adequately but lacked the agility of its German competitors. However, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. 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 large windows enhanced the cabin's openness, though the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be on high.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted luxury features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system added to the comfort. The GV80 offered substantial cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its towing capacity was 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims included premium features like multiple massage modes, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided excellent highway steering assistance. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen was available for the front passenger, along with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system had a learning curve, with a dial for navigation and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present but not wireless. The GV80 included remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside. The system was equipped with wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and outlets to keep devices charged.

The 2022 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 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It featured a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist for hands-on/eyes-up driving. The NHTSA awarded it a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.