2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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. This additional length, along with a five-inch longer wheelbase, provided more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra mass, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first in 2021, before the two-row version in 2022, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's iconic design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, with new exterior paint colors introduced for 2022.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The design and tactile quality were reminiscent of a Mercedes, despite not sharing any parts. The attention to detail and contrast in the interior, even in all-black, provided a comfortable and visually stimulating environment for passengers. The lighter tan leather option added a touch of luxury, prompting passengers to be mindful of cleanliness.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure in styling from its predecessors, adopting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks contributing to a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated to feature three L shapes, giving the rear a modern and aggressive look. The blockier rear end complemented the bolder front fascia, and all CR-V headlights and taillights were upgraded to LED.

The Sport Touring trim, driven for this review, featured special Sport styling elements such as black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels. The interior design followed the trend seen in the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents and spanning the width of the dash. The materials in the Sport Touring cabin were high-quality, with attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel, contributing to a more premium feel.

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 either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). While a 48-volt hybrid system was available on Ram pickup trucks, it was not offered for the Grand Cherokee. However, the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which paired a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, provided 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The test vehicle featured the V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. However, the engine struggled to provide sufficient power for the heavy vehicle, especially when fully loaded. The transmission's early upshifts and the engine's noise under acceleration were notable drawbacks. The V8 engine, available only on higher trims with 4WD, offered a more robust 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, delivering a better driving experience.

Fuel economy for the V6 was decent, with an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The V8's fuel economy was lower at 14/22/17. Estimates for the 4xe plug-in hybrid were not available at the time. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a highlight, offering excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The vehicle's maximum towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 115 mph. The hybrid powertrain provided a more responsive driving experience, particularly for tasks like highway merging. The CR-V Hybrid was also rated for towing, with a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds.

For 2023, the CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode: Snow, in addition to Sport, Normal, and Econ. The drive modes primarily adjusted accelerator response, with Snow mode utilizing the updated Real Time AWD system on Sport AWD and Sport Touring models. The new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The CR-V Hybrid also offered a front-wheel drive (FWD) option, with the Sport trim achieving 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

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 climate 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 came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

The Grand Cherokee L offered generous 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 enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were small and did not direct enough airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was quite loud.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with a substantial increase in cargo space. It offered 36.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, and headroom measured 38.2 inches in both rows.

The CR-V Hybrid's interior featured a cubby designed to hold two smartphones side by side, eight cupholders, and a console providing best-in-class storage. The design was traditional, offering practicality and convenience for passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features, including 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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously.

New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims offered additional features such as automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to consumer preferences for physical buttons, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display featuring volume and tuning knobs. The 9-inch touchscreen on the Sport Touring trim had a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L had not 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 for possible unattended passengers, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New safety features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, a blind-spot information system, and a cross-traffic monitor. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a rear-seat reminder, rear seatbelt reminder, and a parking sensor system on the top two trims. The vehicle had earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.