2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the design remained clean and uncluttered, featuring a portrait-oriented touchscreen and a new digital instrument cluster. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. The wheelbase stretched five inches for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The design was elegant and unmistakably Jeep, with a seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. The lighting was modernized, and the paint finish and panel fit were improved. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. New exterior paint colors for 2022 included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky. The interior boasted dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof, offering a luxurious feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

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 RWD or 4WD. The V6 produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, but struggled with the vehicle's weight, making it feel underpowered. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 achieved 14/22/17. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, was expected to offer better performance and efficiency. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights and improved handling. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by Jeep's driving modes and the Trail-Rated badge on the Overland trim with the Off-Road Group option package.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained competitive, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom in both rows was average for the segment. Cargo space for mild-hybrid models was 21.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with the seats down. Plug-in hybrid models offered slightly less cargo space at 21.1 and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate, seat controls, and stereo functions. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench seat available as an option. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small and struggled to direct sufficient airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Android-specific features like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store, with over-the-air software updates. The system was compatible with iPhones but offered more functionality for Android users. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, and UConnect seamlessly integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim came with a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, while lower trims had nine-speaker or six-speaker systems.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top ratings from both organizations. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. Higher trims added advanced safety features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.