2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee retained the classic Jeep design elements, making it instantly recognizable. It was essentially a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a range of trims from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the original 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo providing good quality and the Summit Reserve offering premium features like quilted leather seats and a McIntosh audio system.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 made subtle styling changes, including a gloss black front bumper trim and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, didn't have the traditional SUV look, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance. However, it offered a minimalist and quality interior, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fiber inserts. The ID.4's design was more about efficiency and modernity, with a focus on being an electric vehicle rather than a traditional SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower. The V6 had a tow rating of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 could tow up to 7,200 pounds. Three different 4WD systems were available, with the Quadra-Drive II system providing the best off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim was particularly impressive off-road, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and a Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a 62-kWh pack for the base models and an 82-kWh pack for higher trims. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower, while the dual-motor AWD models offered 295 horsepower. The AWD version could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery, but it didn't support one-pedal driving. The ID.4 was comfortable and refined, but it allowed too much body roll to be truly entertaining on twisty roads.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for both the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded. However, rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the Grand Cherokee L was a better option for carrying taller passengers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than other affordable EVs. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. VW made small changes to the interior for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered a five-fold improvement in responsiveness and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger was a standout feature.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.4's user interface included haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which were less intuitive than conventional buttons. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed of high-strength steel and aluminum. New features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to arrive in 2022, allowing for more autonomous driving on approved roads.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.