2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, offered a third row of seats, making it 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row model. 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, giving the L a more complete look compared to the standard model. Jeep's decision to release the L first, as a 2021 model, set a high standard for the two-row version that followed. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's iconic 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 high-resolution screens, real wood, and quilted Nappa leather, making it feel like a premium investment.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe expanded its lineup with the 30th Anniversary edition, offering six trim levels. The Trailhawk trim, tested, featured a panoramic sunroof and advanced tech packages, bringing its MSRP to $72,630. Despite its high price, the 4xe's interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and glossy surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were nice, but the overall feel leaned more towards style than substance. The Trailhawk's rugged off-road capabilities were evident, but the interior's focus on aesthetics compromised utility, with controls difficult to read and access. The steering wheel controls, however, were well-designed and user-friendly.

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. The V6, with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, provided a more robust 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride quality, with a stellar chassis and optional air suspension that offered five ride height settings. It handled well on various terrains, though it was optimized for on-road comfort. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while the V8 was less efficient.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Trailhawk trim, with its 4WD system and off-road capabilities, was impressive but not always practical for everyday use. The 4xe offered an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg in hybrid mode. However, during testing, it fell short of expectations, achieving only 21.2 miles of electric range and 19.3 mpg in hybrid mode. The Trailhawk excelled off-road but struggled with refinement during daily driving, with an unrefined gas engine and uneven power delivery.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior offered ample space, even in the third row, with standard second-row captain's chairs and optional bench seating. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the spacious feel, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow. The Grand Cherokee L provided a comfortable and luxurious environment for passengers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, however, lacked practical storage and cargo space, with only 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded. The Trailhawk's interior, with leather and artificial suede seats, was less comfortable than expected, with firm front seats and limited rear legroom. The power liftgate revealed a smaller cargo area compared to other midsize SUVs, making it less suitable for carrying larger loads.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, including massage modes for the 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 optional rear-seat entertainment screens. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were standard, with additional options available on higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a head-up display and rear-seat entertainment system. The Trailhawk's infotainment system featured Uconnect 5 technology, with wireless smartphone integration and an Alpine sound system. However, the interface's low-contrast graphics made it difficult to read. The Trailhawk also offered tech-related options like wireless charging and a digital rearview mirror, though some features were optional even on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but it included standard safety features like knee airbags, rear seat alerts, and trailer sway control.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Trailhawk added active blind-spot monitoring and an intersection assist system. The 4xe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it had a four-star rating for driver protection in frontal impacts. IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, but this did not specifically include the 4xe powertrain.