2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan status, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs lacked. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid capability was unique among mainstream brands. However, its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and dated compared to the more modern, architectural designs of competitors. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a looker, even with the S Appearance Package, and its price tag was steep, starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L and reaching $57,645 for the Pinnacle version.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant and recognizable Jeep, with a design that blended the extra length for a third row seamlessly into the body. The Grand Cherokee L's seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were all classic Jeep, but with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, making them look particularly impressive. New exterior paint colors for 2022 included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6, while decent in fuel economy (18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined), felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8 provided a more satisfying driving experience but at the cost of lower fuel economy (14/22/17). The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was stellar, with a taut and direct steering feel, and the optional air suspension offered five ride height settings for various driving conditions. The Grand Cherokee L also featured driving modes that modulated various systems for optimal performance on different terrains.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats but did not collapse into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. 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. However, the air vents were small and did not direct enough airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was loud.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality required adjustment for satisfaction.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. 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 forward automatic emergency braking. The Summit trims added automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and other advanced features.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including a rear-seat reminder system. However, its adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing departing vehicles and moderating speed when cut off. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

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