2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Porsche had introduced the Macan for the 2015 model year, aiming to expand its market with a smaller, more affordable SUV positioned below the Cayenne. By 2022, the Macan had retained much of its original design, despite receiving regular updates to its model lineup, styling details, wheel designs, and available paint colors. The 2022 Macan featured a refreshed exterior, larger standard wheels, seven new wheel designs, and a new center console with haptic touch controls, enhancing both its aesthetic and functional appeal.

The Macan S test vehicle, priced at $87,670 with added options, showcased a sleek Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels. Its design elements, such as the sloping clamshell hood, swollen haunches, and rakish roofline, conveyed a sporty and athletic look. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring an ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel, a large tachometer, and a flat, wide dashboard. The red leather, gloss black interior trim, and silver metallic accents added to its upscale, sporty, and purposeful appearance.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a 2021 model, was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase was also extended by five inches, providing more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The additional length and mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit.

The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The design and tactile quality were comparable to a Mercedes, despite not sharing any parts. The spacious interior accommodated passengers comfortably, with ample detail and contrast to keep them visually stimulated. The lighter tan leather option required extra care to maintain its pristine appearance.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of engines, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the old Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S test car featured a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, previously used in the Macan GTS, tuned to produce 375 hp and 383 lb-ft. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package and launch control.

All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The 2022 Macan's steering and suspension were re-tuned for improved ride and handling, with the Macan S receiving larger 20-inch standard wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive damping suspension. The test vehicle also included optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB).

Driving the Macan S was an exhilarating experience, with its twin-turbo V6 providing ample power and the dual-clutch transmission delivering precise shifts. The PTV+ system enhanced cornering performance, while the PASM adaptive damping ensured a comfortable ride. The Macan S achieved an as-tested fuel economy of 18.1 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying driving experience.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with ride composure and steering feel that were taut and direct. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L's driving modes adjusted various systems for optimal performance on different terrains. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was rated at 14/22/17.

The 2022 Porsche Macan provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned center console featured haptic touch controls, which required the driver to look away from the road to use. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward graphics. The system included physical switches for climate and stereo controls, a central rotary shifter, and a large bin for wireless phone charging. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small and did not direct enough airflow to the cabin.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. The voice recognition system was less reliable than those in competing brands, but the system's overall user experience was intuitive. The Macan also featured separate controls for frequently adjusted features, reducing the need to interact with the touchscreen while driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, including multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of upcoming turns. The Grand Cherokee L also featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens for rear-seat passengers.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, but it lacked more advanced driving assistance features. The Macan had not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L also offered advanced safety features on higher trims, such as automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition.