2023 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 with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by more than a foot, maintaining its tough and upscale look. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, along with dark gray 21-inch wheels and black leather with gold stitching. The interior boasted matte-finish light walnut trim, a polished black dash with an optional touchscreen, and a thick metal dial for the gear selector. The upper trims offered impressive interiors with diamond-patterned stitching, aluminum speaker grilles, and a mix of high-quality materials. Lower trims still provided a better look and feel compared to competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

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 included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. 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, 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 XC60 emphasized a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it was criticized for its lackluster performance. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, was recommended for better towing capacity and overall performance. The V8 allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, compared to 6,200 pounds with the V6. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 rated at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with air suspension, which offered five height settings for up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Jeep's three 4WD systems—Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II—ensured off-road capability, with the latter two offering more advanced features.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space within its segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom in both rows was average. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity at 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel spacious even for taller individuals. Standard second-row captain's chairs and optional 60/40 bench seats offered flexibility. The third row, while power-folding, was tight for adults and best suited for children. The driver's seat provided good sight lines and visibility, with two rows of buttons for audio, climate control, and other functions. Cargo space was ample, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, 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 operating system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though without the added functionality of syncing Google profiles. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel on the Laredo and Altitude trims, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation. All systems ran Uconnect 5, which was quick and user-friendly despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system with 19 speakers was available as a standalone option on upper trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims. Advanced features included night vision, Active Driving Assist, 16-way power front seats with massage programs, and a head-up display. The passenger screen allowed for independent control of navigation, cameras, and entertainment, with Amazon Fire TV available for streaming.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings. 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 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA in all but the rollover test, where it scored four stars. Standard safety features included driver and passenger front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, a backup camera washer, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Active Driving Assist was standard only on the Summit Reserve trim.