2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Dodge Hornet

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase stretched five inches for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. This extra length and mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep introduced the L first as a 2021 model, delaying the two-row version until 2022. The Grand Cherokee L was elegant and unmistakably a Jeep, featuring the iconic seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. Modernized lighting, improved paint finish, and better panel fit enhanced its appeal. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, while new exterior paint colors—Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky—were introduced for 2022.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s front end showcased unmistakable Dodge DNA with muscle-car styling cues like the wide, mean “raccoon mask” face, bulging hood, dual extractors, and the classic Dodge “mail slot” beneath the Rhombi logo. The illuminated Rhombi logo and taillights spanning the vehicle’s width made it recognizable from behind. From the side and rear quarter, the Hornet resembled a Porsche Macan or Cayenne, with upward-pointing windows adding a premium feel. This design choice reflected the Hornet’s Alfa Romeo Tonale roots, built in Italy. The standard silver 17-inch wheels appeared cheap from afar, but the Blacktop package offered 18-inch black alloy wheels and Gloss Black badging, while the Track Pack added 20-inch wheels and red Brembo brake calipers. Dodge’s “High Impact Paint” tradition continued with seven vibrant exterior color options.

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 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle’s weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available only on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 managed 14/22/17. The chassis was a standout feature, offering stellar ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights and excellent handling. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted “best-in-class performance” with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This outperformed most competitors, with only the Mazda CX-30 coming close. The Hornet’s engine emitted a low, menacing rumble, enhancing its sporty appeal. Sport mode sharpened throttle responses, tightened steering, and optimized upshifts, achieving a zero-to-60 time of 6.5 seconds. The base Hornet GT was peppy and responsive at lower speeds, though it exhibited some lag when accelerating from cruising speeds. The Hornet R/T’s hybrid powertrain improved pickup pace. The Hornet’s performance was further enhanced by the available Track Pack package and Direct Connection parts from Dodge’s “Power Broker” dealers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with straightforward graphics and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain’s chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow. The central rotary shifter and wireless phone charging bin were user-friendly.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s GT Plus trim offered leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and two memory settings, unavailable on the base GT trim. The Track Pack added Alcantara seats with similar features. The driver-oriented cockpit layout included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Basic climate and media controls were physical, while advanced features were accessible through the touchscreen. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed the view of oncoming traffic.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s upper trims featured premium amenities like multiple 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 integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. 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. The Summit trims added more advanced safety and convenience features.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s driver-focused cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity, and Amazon Alexa. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging pad, and navigation. The navigation system was generally effective, though it occasionally continued giving instructions after route cancellation.

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 2023 Dodge Hornet came standard with advanced driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, a rear backup camera, and rear park-assist. The Tech Pack added more advanced features and enabled Level 2 autonomous driving. The Hornet had not been evaluated by NHTSA or IIHS.