2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

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, 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 boasted high-end materials like quilted Nappa leather and real wood, offering a luxurious feel akin to a Mercedes, without sharing parts.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a design that balanced rugged SUV detailing with handsome styling, appealing to a broad audience. It was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, included a Premium package and AWD, elevating its price to $43,100, overlapping with entry-level luxury vehicles like the Infiniti QX50. The Platinum trim offered upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, aligning with the quality standards of the compact SUV segment. Despite its appealing design, the Rogue's engine note and vibration through the accelerator pedal were less refined, potentially detracting from its overall appeal.

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 RWD or 4WD. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, requiring high revs and resulting in noticeable engine noise. 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 Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride quality and handling, with a stellar chassis and optional air suspension offering a range of ride height settings. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, the engine powered the front wheels, with AWD available. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The VC-Turbo powertrain improved responsiveness in urban settings, but lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg compared to the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. The steering felt lifeless, but overall, the Rogue provided a secure handling character.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. 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 multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were insufficient, requiring a loud fan setting.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four people comfortably, with room for a fifth. The Platinum trim included a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design, offering comfort, though the rear seats lacked support. The Rogue's controls were straightforward, but the key fob design was frustratingly difficult to use in low light. The rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy access, and the cargo area offered up to 74.1 cubic feet of space with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features on upper trims, 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 an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch screens for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition system struggled with basic commands. The Rogue Platinum featured a Bose audio system and Alexa Built-in, though its functionality was limited during testing.

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 Nissan Rogue boasted extensive safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for 2022, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests. NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.