2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was notably longer by 11.4 inches compared to its two-row predecessor, allowing it to host a third row of seats. There was also a 5-inch stretch in the wheelbase, which provided more legroom for the second row and wider rear doors. This extended dimension was introduced first, making the standard model appear truncated in comparison. The design of the Grand Cherokee L was elegant, with hallmark Jeep features such as the seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. It embodied modern tweaks with slimmer, brighter lighting and enhanced paint finish and panel fitment. Whether in the base Laredo or the high-end Summit Reserve trim, the vehicle looked imposing, with the latter boasting black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome embellishments. In 2022, new paint options such as Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky were added.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L exuded luxury, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. The roof was covered in faux suede and the overall layout justified its price, echoing the style and quality of a Mercedes. The detailed interior ensured a luxurious experience even in all-black, while the lighter tan leather demanded cleanliness from its occupants.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, standing in stark contrast, presented a rugged design with hardly any curves. Its boxy aesthetic mimicked a brick on wheels, communicating its no-nonsense off-road prowess. It was available in both two-door and four-door Wrangler Unlimited variants, with doors removable to suit the driver’s mood. The optional Dual-Door Group featured half doors for better visibility with a sense of security. A fold-down windshield offered a unique driving experience, with various top options for open-air exploration.

The Wrangler's design was simple and functional, with wide fenders and Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille. A tailgate that swung outwards and a rear glass that lifted eased access to cargo. In 2023, Jeep added new colors, with Reign purple and Earl gray, which featured aquamarine highlights. Inside, it had easy-to-clean mats and seats, with straightforward, chunkily designed controls. The practicality leaned more toward functionality rather than luxurious embellishments.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. Although a 48-volt hybrid system paralleled these engines in Ram pickups, it wasn't available for the Grand Cherokee L, leaving the 4xe plug-in hybrid with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque as a more efficient alternative. However, during testing, the V6 felt underpowered for such a heavy vehicle, creating noise and requiring high revs for adequate performance. The V8 offered a significant performance boost along with a satisfying sound.

The air suspension in the Grand Cherokee L was praiseworthy, allowing for a range from cushion-soft to firm with driving mode changes. The steering and handling were precise, offering a composed ride and nearly banishing body roll. With various ride height settings, the air springs could adjust according to needs, whether for comfortable stepping in or high ground clearance for off-road use. Jeep's modes could adjust throttle, transmission, and other systems based on the terrain, lending versatility to the vehicle. However, it leaned more toward on-road comfort than the rugged capabilities of the Wrangler. Towing capacity was substantial, with RWD models capable of 6,200 pounds and 4WD models up to 7,200 pounds.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler prioritized off-road performance, starting with solid front and rear axles and optional differential lockers. Engine options included a standard V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a 3.0-liter Ecodiesel with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, and the high-performance Wrangler Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter V8 engine pumping out 470 horsepower and an equivalent amount of torque. The Wrangler 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid setup with two electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery pack, offering 21 miles of electric range. Most engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, though manual transmission options were available for the V6 and four-cylinder engines.

Our test version, the Rubicon 392, was a powerhouse with its immense torque and power, easily capable of exhilarating feats on and off the road. However, the brakes felt underwhelming compared to the power output, often necessitating early braking, and the steering was vague. Other Wrangler variants had more suitable brakes and somewhat vague but manageable steering. The Wrangler’s off-road prowess was unmatched, especially with variations in transfer cases translating to impressive crawl ratios. The Xtreme Recon package further refined its capabilities, setting its crawl ratio at 58:1.

While the Bronco presented a challenge with its independent front suspension, only extreme driving scenarios highlighted the difference. Overall, the Wrangler’s solid front axle remained a formidable aspect for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s interior mirrored its straightforward design ethos with the Uconnect 5 system. The interface became sleeker and sharper, remaining user-friendly with physical switches for climate and stereo functions, ensuring drivers didn't need to depend solely on the touchscreen. The upper trims sported luxurious touches such as various touchscreen sizes, dual high-resolution screens, and real wood finishes. Space was plentiful across all three rows, with the third row capable of accommodating adult passengers comfortably. However, vents were inadequately sized, leading to inefficient air distribution within the cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler held a more utilitarian interior. Front seats were comfortable, but rear passengers faced a cramped space, especially in four-door models. Storage options for small items were scant, with a flat dash limiting cubby space and tiny glove box and center consoles. However, it offered very flexible configurations for cargo areas and open-air setups, with options to remove various parts of the top, although accessing the rear cargo could be troublesome with the soft-top up.

Cargo space distinctly differed, with the Grand Cherokee L boasting ample storage capacity conducive for family trips, whereas the Wrangler’s 72.4-cubic-foot capacity with rear seats down fell short, making every inch valuable for adventure gear. The Wrangler prioritized utility over luxury, supporting charging points and various connectivity options without cluttering the cabin.

Jeep ensured the Grand Cherokee L catered to tech enthusiasts with premium features in upper trims. From multiple massage modes in the front seats to a head-up display and night vision with pedestrian detection, the tech package was robust. The UConnect system integrated navigation seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto-switching based on the connected device. Additional features like rear-seat Amazon Fire TV and optional touchscreens enriched passenger comfort. With advanced adaptive driving systems and driver aids, the tech setup in the Grand Cherokee L was sophisticated but practical.

The Wrangler, while simpler in tech offerings, came equipped to support off-road adventures. A standard 7-inch touchscreen or an 8.4-inch variant handled the Uconnect infotainment system, displaying off-road stats and integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto effectively. The Wrangler eschewed unnecessary tech, focusing on essentials like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for after-market accessories. Updates applied only to infotainment rather than vehicle performance.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L had yet to be tested by NHTSA or IIHS but came with a standard driver and passenger knee airbags, rear seat alerts for unattended passengers, trailer sway control, and a host of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available in upper trims.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler didn’t impress with its safety features. Basic components like a rearview camera and electronic roll mitigation were standard, but advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were reserved for higher trims or optional packages. Lane-keeping assist was notably absent. IIHS ratings were mixed, with poor headlight ratings on some trims, and NHTSA ratings showed a four-star frontal crash rating and a three-star rollover rating, with side-crash ratings pending.