2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's sleek, sporty silhouette, with its long wheelbase and short overhangs, was a scaled-down homage to the larger Range Rover's iconic profile. The vehicle's exterior was adorned with distinctive features like pop-out door handles and deep air ducts, which added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and modern design, featuring a polished black center stack and three sharp screens that provided a sophisticated interface.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a masterclass in blending elegance with functionality. Its extended body, designed to accommodate a third row of seats, was seamlessly integrated into the overall design, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish. The interior was a luxurious space, with high-resolution screens, real wood, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a tactile quality reminiscent of a Mercedes. The spacious cabin, even in the third row, ensured comfort for all passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The Velar offered a choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 247 horsepower, and a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two states of tune: 340 hp and 395 hp. The Velar's standard Terrain Response system provided six driving modes, but its street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities.

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. The V6, producing 293 hp, was found lacking in power for a vehicle of this size, while the V8, with 357 hp, provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 4xe plug-in hybrid option, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing a range of ride height settings for different driving conditions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was more compact than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for prioritizing style over functionality. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating adults comfortably. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, with physical switches for climate and audio controls. The Grand Cherokee L's interior featured a panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports, enhancing passenger comfort. However, the air vents were noted to be insufficient in directing airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered intelligent route suggestions, while the 360-degree cameras provided a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a night vision system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. safety agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The vehicle also included various driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.