2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while adding over a foot in length, enhancing its luxurious appeal. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured a bold design with blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels. Inside, the upper trims offered impressive interiors with a mix of high-quality materials, although not every component matched the luxury of higher-end brands. The cabin was well-appointed with features like a polished black dash, a metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching, making it a classy choice for those willing to spend more.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, on the other hand, showcased Cadillac's flair for exterior styling with a design reminiscent of the classic Seville. Its long hood and low ground clearance gave it a sedan-like appearance, while the vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch. The interior was meticulously detailed, with leather-wrapped seats, chrome-outlined controls, and a unique steering wheel design. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality. Despite this, the 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, providing a sleek and integrated look.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine was criticized for its lack of low-end torque and outdated feel. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided solid handling, especially with the air suspension, although the steering required more precision. The SUV offered three 4WD systems, enhancing its off-road capabilities, and could adjust its ground clearance with the air suspension.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, while not as sporty as its exterior suggested, excelled in long-distance comfort. The dual-motor powertrain delivered 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, with a standard single rear motor option. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery provided a range of up to 314 miles, though real-world testing showed slightly less. The Lyriq's handling was compromised by its weight, leading to understeer and less agility compared to other Cadillac models. The absence of advanced handling features like torque vectoring and magnetic dampers was notable, and the steering lacked the usual Cadillac finesse.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with a longer wheelbase providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The third row was best suited for children, while cargo space was generous, with up to 85 cubic feet available. The driver's seat provided good visibility, though the infotainment system had legibility issues. The interior featured a mix of physical buttons and touchscreen controls, with some frustrations noted in the digital instrument panel's readability.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders and a problematic charging port were noted issues. The interior design included a floating console that lacked practicality, and the glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving. Despite these drawbacks, the Lyriq offered generous headroom and legroom, though cargo space was limited compared to other midsize SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured Uconnect 5 across its trims, with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen depending on the model. The system was generally user-friendly, though some legibility issues were noted. The McIntosh sound system was available as an option, and the vehicle offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control various functions.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering high-quality graphics and a user-friendly interface. The infotainment system included native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with accurate navigation estimates. Super Cruise, Cadillac's hands-free driving system, was a highlight, providing a seamless driving experience. The 19-speaker AKG stereo added to the vehicle's tech appeal.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. It came standard with a suite of safety features, including forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.