2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer exuded a traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a similar appearance to the smaller 2021 Grand Cherokee L, characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel center caps were protected by an acrylic glass covering. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the standard Wagoneer, allowed for independent suspension and incorporated lightweight materials like an aluminum hood and doors.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared styling cues with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it offered more luxury with 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional higher-grade Palermo leather. The interior featured aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, with seat controls placed high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes. The dashboard prominently displayed "Grand Wagoneer" to remind occupants of the vehicle's identity.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, on the other hand, boasted a striking exterior design that commanded attention. Although classified as an SUV, its long hood and low ground clearance gave it the appearance of a sleek sedan, reminiscent of the classic Seville. The LYRIQ featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille, adorned with lighting effects, varied in design across trims, with the Sport trim showcasing a dark triangular motif. The vehicle's 22-inch wheels added to its imposing presence, while the wraparound taillights and fender-mounted vertical lights created a distinctive look.

Inside, the LYRIQ paid meticulous attention to detail. The seats featured C-shaped headrests and leather-wrapped backsides, while the window switches and door-mounted seat controls were elegantly designed. The interior incorporated aluminum and wood elements, with a three-spoke steering wheel featuring knurled toggle switches. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, offering a seamless integration of technology without overwhelming the cabin. However, the floating center console, a common trend in electric vehicles, lacked practicality, offering limited usable space.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, propelled the Grand Wagoneer from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, impressive for a vehicle weighing around 6,400 pounds. The Grand Wagoneer came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. It also included Jeep's Selec-Terrain system with five drive modes: Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, allowed for adjustable ride height, providing up to 10 inches of ground clearance.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ offered a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup featured a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. Both powertrains utilized a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering an estimated range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive and 307 miles with all-wheel drive. However, real-world testing revealed a range closer to 260 miles. The LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, resulting in understeer and uninspiring steering feel. Despite its impressive power, the LYRIQ prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a focus on long-distance driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain's chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80. However, front-row space was more limited compared to the Escalade and Navigator. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. With all rear seats folded, it offered 94.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, while offering generous headroom and legroom, sacrificed cargo space for a spacious back seat. It provided 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded. However, the LYRIQ's interior functionality was marred by issues such as misaligned rear fenders, a motorized charging port that frequently dropped open, and a pull-out tray that didn't fully retract. The glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving, and the floating console lacked practicality, leaving valuables exposed. Despite these shortcomings, the LYRIQ's interior featured a rotary selector for the touchscreen and integrated metal door handles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch center console touchscreen, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added a pair of 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer utilized the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering over-the-air software updates and Amazon Alexa connectivity. However, the screen response was occasionally slow, and the instrument cluster's graphics were considered plain.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ showcased a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The available Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving capabilities, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality. The LYRIQ's technology package was a highlight, offering a seamless integration of advanced features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Grand Wagoneer also offered Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured standard safety equipment, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, rear emergency braking, and a rear camera displayed on the rearview mirror. However, crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available for either vehicle at the time of writing.