2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its reputation for luxury and ruggedness, extending its classic design by over 30 centimetres without losing its iconic style. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured bold aesthetics, including blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels. Inside, the upper trims impressed with a mix of high-end materials, although not all components matched Mercedes-grade quality. The interior boasted a polished black dash with an optional touchscreen, a metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching, creating a classy atmosphere. Despite some hard plastics, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was notably superior to lower-priced competitors.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, giving it a muscular stance. The CR-V retained its classic D-pillar taillights but modernized them with three L shapes for a more aggressive look. The Hybrid Touring trim, in deep Canyon River Blue, featured black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed Honda's trend toward a premium feel, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching. The interior design was consistent with other Honda models, offering a refined and cohesive look.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine's noise was well-muffled, but it lacked the low-end torque needed for a heavy SUV. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, was recommended for towing, offering a max capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The V8 also delivered a more satisfying sound. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8's ratings were worse at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and its air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance, making it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date. The hybrid powertrain was responsive, especially for highway merging, and offered a towing capacity of up to 450 kilograms. The CR-V Hybrid came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and four drive modes, including a new Snow mode. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy was estimated at 6.0 L/100 km city, 6.9 highway, and 6.4 combined, making it more efficient than its non-hybrid counterparts.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard second-row captain's chairs. The third row, while power-folding, was tight for adults and best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured a power liftgate and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof on higher trims. However, the infotainment system's graphics and text legibility were noted as frustrating.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 millimetres, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V Hybrid's interior featured a hands-free power tailgate, wide-opening rear doors, and a standard one-touch power moonroof. The cabin included eight cupholders and a console designed for best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally quick and easy to use, despite some legibility issues. The Grand Cherokee L featured a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, night vision, and Active Driving Assist. The passenger screen in the dash was a standout feature, allowing independent control of navigation and entertainment.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Hybrid Touring trim included a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system, and Honda's smart navigation system, optimizing fuel efficiency based on the route.

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. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. New safety features included a rear-seat reminder and a stiffer structure for improved crash protection.