2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has always been an epitome of Jeep's blend of toughness and luxury. Since its debut at the 1992 Detroit auto show, the Grand Cherokee captured attention with its square-box design and seven-slot grille, exuding an upscale yet rugged appearance. Contemporary tweaks, such as the High Altitude package featuring blacked-out grille and logos, dark gray 21-inch wheels, and matte-finish light walnut interiors, further emphasized its bold look. The classic U-shaped fenders and square greenhouse, juxtaposed with modern slim LED lighting and integrated exhaust tips, provided a timeless and enduring design.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, in contrast, embraced a no-frills, rugged design philosophy. Known for its solid, brick-like aesthetics, the Wrangler offered a choice between two-door and four-door variants, both retaining the signature seven-slot grille and round headlights. Unique features like a foldable windshield and optional half doors highlighted its outdoor inclination. Intriguing color options, including the bold purple Reign and subdued gray Earl, added flair to its utilitarian look. Function dominated the design with easily accessible cargo areas, doorless driving possibilities, and various open-air options.

The Grand Cherokee L's performance leaned on the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which, despite its quiet nature, struggled with noise and power delivery, offering 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. A notable limitation was the sport mode's inability to shift smoothly across gears. For improved capability, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered an impressive 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, ideal for towing up to 7,200 pounds. While fuel economy ranged from 18/25/21 mpg (city/highway/combined) for the V6, the V8 lowered these figures to 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's strength lay in its solid chassis and air suspension, ensuring confident handling comparable to luxury brands.

The Wrangler offered a versatile and mighty lineup of engine options. The standard V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder achieved 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with both engines paired with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The high-torque 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 reached 260 horsepower and a remarkable 442 lb-ft of torque. For extreme performance, the Wrangler Rubicon 392's 6.4-liter V8 generated 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered electric range options. The Wrangler revels in its off-road prowess with solid axles, differential lockers, and transfer cases suiting various terrains.

The Grand Cherokee L utilized its extended length effectively, offering ample legroom across three rows. The second-row captain's chairs came standard, with options for a center console and additional climate controls in upper trims. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for younger passengers. The vehicle provided substantial cargo space, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and an expansive 85 cubic feet with all seats folded. This spacious interior set a benchmark in its segment.

In contrast, the Wrangler's interior space prioritized practicality over comfort. Front seats were supportive, but rear-seat space was tight, especially in four-door models. Storage for smaller items was limited, and larger cargo capacity amounted to 72.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded. Several top options, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top, enhanced its open-air utility, albeit with some inconvenience in accessing rear cargo through plastic rear windows.

The Grand Cherokee L showcased robust tech features across its trims, starting with an 8.4-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 10.1-inch screen in higher ones. The Uconnect 5 system managed infotainment efficiently, coupled with a McIntosh sound system and standard navigation in upper trims. Unique features like night vision, a head-up display, and a dedicated passenger screen added significant value to the tech offerings.

The Wrangler's tech featured a straightforward 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, providing comprehensive control over vehicle systems. While initial appearances suggested complexity, the system proved intuitive. Off-road pages offered useful data for enthusiasts. Although lacking advanced tech features like digital keys and vehicle performance updates, it included practical elements like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket additions.

The Grand Cherokee L excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and five stars in most National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests, except rollover at four stars. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward and rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Advanced options like night vision and Active Driving Assist were available in higher trims.

Safety in the Wrangler was minimalist. Standard features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety options were only standard in the top 392 model or available as packages in others. The Wrangler showed mixed results in IIHS ratings, notably poor in some headlight categories, and received four stars in frontal crashes and three in rollover tests from NHTSA.