The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L enhances the Grand Cherokee by providing third-row seating. It accommodates up to seven drivers and adds more cargo space. Best of all, getting an extra row doesn’t compromise the SUV’s off-road handling or maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Impresses Many Critics, But What About Consumer Reports? CR testers have finally reached a consensus: This mid-size crossover is pretty good, but some of its flaws can’t be ignored.
1. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L suffers from sluggish acceleration
Consumer Reports tested the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L with the standard V6, which makes 290 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model needs almost nine seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. By comparison, the smaller Grand Cherokee is a full second faster. You can’t even blame the L’s sluggishness in the third row because most vehicles in the segment accelerate faster, CR explains.
Also, the Grand Cherokee L’s fuel economy isn’t great. Consumer Reports observed 19 mpg combined city/highway. However, testers appreciated the Grand Cherokee L’s pleasant transmission. With the standard V6, you also get impressive towing capacity by midsize SUV standards (6,200 pounds).
To unlock the maximum towing capacity, you’ll need to upgrade to the available 357-hp V8 engine. According to Car and Driver, this model can reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
2. CR doesn’t like SUV’s long stopping/braking distance
On dry pavement, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L takes at least 141 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph. At the same speed on wet pavement, it needs 150 feet to stop. The two-row Grand Cherokee’s scores in these tests were 138 feet and 145 feet.
However, CR was pleased with the Grand Cherokee L’s performance in the evasive maneuver test, saying its handling is confident overall. And while steering feedback leaves a lot to be desired, it does a good job of keeping the body in check.
3. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has confusing controls
Both the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and its shorter sibling have many frustrating controls for climate, safety and convenience features. The layout also gets confusing at times.
For example, the buttons for some important safety features are located at the top of the infotainment screen. CR says these buttons are easy to miss because the sun often reflects off the upholstery surrounding them. You are also forced to use the infotainment system to operate certain climate controls.
The basic infotainment system can lag at times, but it’s mostly intuitive. But any extras added in higher trims can quickly clutter the interface’s menus.
4. The V6 engine is too loud
CR says the V6 engine requires significant revs to drive the 2022 Grand Cherokee L at higher speeds. Although Car and Driver liked the V8’s engine note, CR testers found the V6’s whine off-putting. Fortunately, exterior noise is only apparent when the vehicle is traveling 65 mph or faster.
However, Consumer Reports did not complain about any excessive noise in its review of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In previous years, CR reported that this SUV’s V6 was actually quiet compared to the powertrains of competitors. But take it with a grain of salt—Jeep has tweaked the V6 and V8 engines slightly for the redesigned 2022 model.
To be fair, Consumer Reports likes many aspects of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. It offers a comfortable ride and an adult-friendly third row. With some powertrain improvements and interior tweaks, this SUV could be even better.
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