2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

In 2022, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L differentiated itself with a more extended body to accommodate a third row of seats, making it 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee. The longer wheelbase of five additional inches offered more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors for easier access. Jeep's designer’s exemplary work ensured that the Grand Cherokee L’s expansive size did not look out of place, cleverly incorporating extra mass and a bigger rear into the body. Available in a trio of fresh paint colors – Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky – the Grand Cherokee L maintained an elegant and recognizable Jeep aesthetic from any angle.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L was nothing short of luxurious, with a blend of dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof, emphasizing its position as a premium SUV. The interior design took cues from high-end vehicles, offering a feel reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, sans shared parts. The attention to detail ensured even monochromatic color schemes felt lively and luxurious, making it one of the most coveted interiors on the market.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, following its redesign in 2022, continued to present a modern yet practical aesthetic into its 2023 iteration. From the futuristic headlights combined with traditional lights to the angular C-pillar, the Pathfinder successfully married traditional SUV elements with forward-thinking design.

Inside, the Pathfinder offered a clean, sensible layout that was both visually appealing and easy to live with. The SUV came in multiple trims, from the base S to the luxurious Platinum, each providing a distinct level of refinement and features. Despite its practical emphasis, the Pathfinder did not shy away from presenting a rugged look, especially in the Rock Creek trim, which included unique styling elements, all-terrain tires, LED fog lights, and fetching forest green paint with bright orange accents.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L provided a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and a 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering a robust 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with options for rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). However, the V6 engine sometimes felt underwhelming on such a heavy vehicle, needing high revs to summon its full power. The V8 option significantly improved performance and provided a compelling driving experience. Additionally, the sophisticated chassis and optional air suspension contributed to a comfortable, adaptable ride with commendable handling for a large SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, while the Rock Creek variant offered an upgraded output of 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The power was managed through a 9-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Pathfinder's rotary drive mode dial featured settings such as Eco, Sport, Normal, Sand, Mud/Rut, Snow, and Towing, with the Rock Creek trim adding an All-Terrain mode. Although the Rock Creek trim provided improved off-road capabilities with its taller suspension and off-road shocks, it posed a rougher ride on regular roads.

The Grand Cherokee L's interior was designed with user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens depending on trim levels. The system simplicity and sharp graphics were applauded, though there were occasional issues with legibility and interface lag. The SUV's seats extended comfortable space to all rows, with second-row captain's chairs as standard and an optional 60/40 split-bench seat.

Cargo space in the Grand Cherokee L was ample, with 84.6 cubic feet available with both the second and third rows folded, and 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row. Practical features such as multiple USB ports and a panoramic roof added to its convenience, though the air vents were noted to be somewhat insufficient.

The Pathfinder, on the other hand, provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with both the second and third rows folded, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in use. This was slightly less than the Jeep but still competitive. The first two rows offered plenty of headroom and legroom, while the third row was best for shorter trips. With 12 cupholders, four bottle holders, and a useful roof rack in the Rock Creek trim, the Pathfinder delivered functionality ideal for family use.

Jeep's Grand Cherokee L, particularly in the higher trims, featured advanced tech such as multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and the Active Driving Assist. It also came with an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens for rear-seat entertainment. Standard driver aids included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring, with further upgrades available in higher trims.

The Pathfinder's tech offerings included an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch version in the higher trims. It provided a logical, easy-to-use interface but lacked the more cutting-edge graphics seen in modern competitors. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with added features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging on higher trims.

Safety features on the Grand Cherokee L encompassed standard driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and an assortment of driver aids. However, at the time, it was not yet rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Pathfinder came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like ProPilot Assist, front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim further included rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display.