2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with the rest of Volvo's lineup through features like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It also featured a Sage Green Metallic color exclusive to the model. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an extended version of the standard Grand Cherokee, adding 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. Its design maintained Jeep's recognizable features, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finish. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality. The spacious cabin, even in the third row, was complemented by a panoramic roof and ample USB ports, although the air vents were noted to be insufficient in airflow.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featured dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort over performance, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with RWD or 4WD. The V6, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, while the V8 offered a robust 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery and two electric motors, delivered 375 hp and 470 lb-ft. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and a smaller cargo area. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins, partially compensated for the lack of space. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive in interior space compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were user-friendly, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. 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. A panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The infotainment system occasionally lagged, and some graphics were hard to read.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, with OTA update capability. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering top-notch graphics and menu layouts. Recharge models lacked a start button, instead using a key fob for ignition. The gasoline models continued with the previous infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. 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, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It included standard safety features like driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control, along with various driver aids.