Jeep South Africa recently launched the rather large Grand Cherokee L to the local market with pricing aimed squarely at some established premium SUV contenders. How does its infotainment system stack up versus these key rivals, though?
With pricing now placing the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L firmly in the firing line of products such as the Volvo XC90 and Volkswagen Touareg, we decided to compare the newcomer’s infotainment system with its more established rivals.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Grand Cherokee L is deeply impressive when it comes to its infotainment offering, with flagship models featuring more than 30-inches worth of screen which is divided between the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch central screen with the latest Uconnect 5 software as well a 10.25-inch display for the front passenger. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a child monitoring service, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist with a 360-degree surround view camera, Night Vision Camera with pedestrian and animal detection and a reverse camera with PDC, among others.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 was one of the first products to sport a portrait-mounted infotainment system and digitised instrument cluster. The Sensus system was a catalyst for many of the systems we see in premium products now in 2022, but it was most certainly in need of an update, which came recently in the form of a new Google-based operating system called IVIS.
The 9.0-inch primary screen has been retained, as has the digitised instrument cluster, however, the system now sports a better resolution and functions such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play within the system itself. There is still AM/FM reception, USB input, Bluetooth connections and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, you can also update the system over the air from the comfort of your garage.
Volkswagen Touareg
The Touareg set a new benchmark for infotainment systems back in 2018, and its 15-inch Discover Premium system with a 12.0-inch digitised instrument cluster has been called the Innovision Cockpit. The system is configurable, allowing the user to create their own personalised infotainment experience. Functionality includes Bluetooth, USB or Aux input, SOTA (Software Over The Air) updates, a built-in Spotify app, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone functionality.
Verdict
It would appear that the newest product in the comparison, namely the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, has the best infotainment system since there is a screen for the driver, the front passenger and one that occupants in the rear can enjoy too.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Volvo XC90 vs Volkswagen Touareg: Which has the best infotainment system?