2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a demonstration in luxury and purpose. The "L" in its name indicated the extension of its length, offering an additional 11.4 inches compared to the standard two-row Grand Cherokee. This was executed to accommodate a third row of seats, making it a better choice for larger families. The wheelbase was also stretched five inches, translating to more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors for ease of access.

Externally, the added length integrated so seamlessly into the Grand Cherokee's design that it made the standard version appear truncated. The seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were unmistakably Jeep, updated with modern, slimmer lighting elements. The paint finish and panel fit were markedly improved, bringing an elegant yet robust appearance to the SUV. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims further enhanced the visual appeal with black roofs, larger wheels, and additional chrome. For 2022, Jeep introduced three new exterior paint options: Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky, adding variety for customization.

Internally, the Grand Cherokee L excelled. The use of dual high-resolution screens, authentic wood, aluminum accents, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof provided a luxurious feel reminiscent of high-end European vehicles. Even in its all-black options, the interior design maintained enough detail and contrast to keep passengers engaged. Opting for lighter tan leather added an upscale aesthetic but demanded cleaner hands and feet from passengers to maintain its pristine appearance.

Comparatively, the 2023 Land Rover Defender maintained its rugged heritage while embracing modern enhancements. Known for outselling the Discovery by a sizeable margin, the Defender's design was a nod to the beloved LR4, which had a boxier appearance over the more rounded Discovery. The new Defender characterized this look with a square-jawed face, a rectangular hood, and sharply cut-off tail. Steep angles defined elements like the windshield and the lower front bumper, staying true to its off-road roots.

The Defender's exterior paid homage to its predecessor with tasteful throwback accents, including skylights along the roof sides and faux-metal step plates on the hood. The permanently mounted spare tire on the rear hatch and its white steel wheels on the base model accentuated its classic look. Four accessory packages allowed for extensive customization with ladders, roof racks, and snorkels, making the Defender versatile for various activities.

Inside, the Defender concentrated on function and durability. Despite its high price, the focus was on practicality, with interiors coated in moisture-wicking rubber and plastic, exposed screws, and basic air vents. A wide metal strip spanned the dashboard, adding to the utilitarian charm. While not luxurious compared to a Range Rover, the Defender's build quality was commendable, and it retained its unique character. High-quality options like Windsor leather were available but didn't overshadow the rugged basics.

Performance-wise, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered familiar engine choices but fell short with the base V6. With 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the V6 struggled to propel the SUV’s substantial weight, especially when loaded with passengers. The eight-speed automatic transmission further hampered performance with early upshifts. While manual mode with paddle shifters provided slight relief, the V6 lacked the power and refinement expected from such a vehicle. Fuel economy for the V6 was respectable at 18/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined, while the V8 delivered more power but at the cost of fuel efficiency with a 14/22/17 mpg rating.

On the flip side, the plug-in hybrid 4xe variant held promise with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a 17.3 kWh battery pack and dual electric motors, yielding 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Buyers seeking better power and performance gravitated towards the V8, offering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, exclusive to the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims.

Despite this, the Grand Cherokee L's chassis shone brightly. Ride comfort and steering responsiveness were exemplary for a vehicle of its size. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing comfort and off-road capabilities, offering up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance in its maximum Off-road 2 mode. While the Grand Cherokee L was trail-capable, it was also designed for on-road comfort, making it a practical family vehicle with a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender showcased a beast-mode performance particularly when off-road. Evaluations from previous model years confirmed its unrivaled grip, wheel articulation, and clearance, capable of tackling the most rugged trails. The Terrain Response 2 system automatically adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, ensuring the Defender's dominance off-road.

However, on-road performance left something to be desired. Its hefty drivetrain and significant body drag caused it to lose speed even downhill. Substantial body roll, slow steering, and wind noise marred the driving experience, diverging from refined luxury SUVs like the Range Rover. Despite these downsides, the Defender redeemed itself with potent engine choices. The supercharged V8 produced 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Defender into a speedy vehicle, although its handling was reminiscent of a overloaded SUV. Meanwhile, the six-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain provided 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, balancing performance and efficiency without significant drawbacks at the pump with a 18/23/20 mpg rating.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in providing a user-friendly environment. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system combined modern aesthetics with functional physical switches for climate, seat controls, and stereo adjustments. The interface, while mostly intuitive, occasionally lagged and had legibility issues in some menus.

Space was a strong suit, with ample room in all rows. Even the third row was adequate for adults for extended periods, lending credibility to its family-friendly design. Second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access and comfort, while a 60/40 split bench seat option added flexibility. However, the cabin climate control could be improved, as the air vents struggled to effectively cool the spacious interior, necessitating a loud fan setting.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender struck a balance between off-road robustness and daily utility. It offered unparalleled seating configurations, catering to up to eight passengers with its optional jump seat in the front row and third-row seating in the 110 and 130 models. The glass expanse and "alpine lights" provided excellent visibility and an airy cabin feel.

Cargo space in the Defender varied by model. The short-wheelbase 90 had 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58 with them folded. The four-door 110 offered 34 to 79 cubic feet, depending on the configuration, while the extended 130 provided a notable 77 cubic feet with the second and third rows stowed, but only 14 cubic feet with all seats up. This versatility made the Defender a multi-purpose vehicle, whether for camping trips or daily errands.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a tech-savvy experience particularly in the higher trims. Features such as multi-mode massage for the 16-way power front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, and a 360-degree camera system added luxury typically found in premium vehicles. Jeep’s UConnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing two phones to be connected simultaneously. Rear-seat entertainment was enhanced with optional dual 10.1-inch screens equipped with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender brought its Pivi Pro infotainment system, praised for its reliability and user-friendliness. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice-activated assistant, and navigation. Seat heating, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors were standard features. Higher trims such as the X-Dynamic SE and the X added comforts like a Meridian sound system, auto-dimming mirrors, and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L lacked crash test ratings from major U.S. agencies but came well-equipped with safety features like driver and passenger knee airbags, rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. It included various advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and forward automatic emergency braking, in higher trims.

Similarly, the 2023 Land Rover Defender hadn't been tested by U.S. safety bodies but achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP assessments. Standard safety features included six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Though it lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags, it was equipped with advanced technologies such as a 360-degree camera system and automatic steering assist for trailer reversing.