2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well, while still maintaining its individual character within the lineup. Its expressive face, with LED headlights squinting beside the big Audi Singleframe grille, featured horizontal elements that emphasized width. The body bore crisp character lines and the greenhouse resembled a protective shell. The rear showcased bold, large taillights. Overall, the Audi Q5 had a very classy and modern appearance, with exceptional fit and finish throughout. The plug-in Q5, with its S-Line trim and enhancements, looked even better, boasting either standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Audi Q5 exhibited the same level of classy and modern design. It was packed with technology yet maintained an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs were smartly grouped and segregated by function, and there was a unity of design that was very pleasing. Material selection was top-notch, with real wood, real metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, perfectly situated in the driver’s line of sight. The second row was also nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces throughout.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, embraced its traditional Jeep design language while exuding a new, slightly sportier vibe. The redesigned Grand Cherokee essentially mirrored the previous year's three-row Grand Cherokee L, embodying familiar Jeep elements such as the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Styling also drew influence from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, notably the forward-leaning grille, headlights, level beltline, and angled rear roof pillars. The addition of a black roof option on some versions enhanced its rugged appeal. However, the initial exterior paint color selection was limited, though more options were expected to follow.

Inside, the 2022 Grand Cherokee carried over much of the design from the Grand Cherokee L, offering a comfortable yet upscale environment. The base Laredo trim with cloth seats still presented a sense of quality. Higher trims like the luxurious Summit Reserve featured premium quilted leather, heated and ventilated seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Notably, the gloss black finish used on some controls in higher trims suffered from reflections that could make them harder to use, while lower trims' matte-black finish was more functional if less fancy.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took an already fun crossover and made it better. The standard gasoline-only Q5, badged as Q5 45, was an enjoyable drive. The plug-in hybrid version added an extra 114 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, totaling a combined 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque for its 4,665-lb curb weight. It featured an electric motor working with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine in a boost function. This setup provided convincing acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and an impressive fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined.

The Audi Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive. Drivers could switch between modes to drive solely on battery power for up to 20 miles, reserve battery power, or automatically drive in hybrid mode. It utilized speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and featured a minimal body roll, powerful braking, and a slightly sporty, stiff setting that balanced comfort with road feel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options, with either a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 generated 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and had a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 provided 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The Grand Cherokee came with three different 4WD systems: the basic Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case, and the sophisticated Quadra-Drive II with a locking rear differential. The Trailhawk variant, designed for off-roading, came standard with Quadra-Drive II and additional off-road equipment, making it a capable rock-crawling star.

Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 mpg combined for the V8 4WD to 21 mpg for the V6. Our test results varied between 17-21.3 mpg, corresponding to different drivetrain configurations. On-road, the Grand Cherokee was more appealing than its larger sibling, feeling more nimble and athletic. Ride quality was excellent, though the optional Quadra-Lift air suspension added cost and complexity without substantially benefiting driving character.

The 2021 Audi Q5’s compact crossover SUV size hit a sweet spot for many buyers. The smartly packaged Q5 managed to integrate its battery pack beneath the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches), headroom (37.7 inches), and shoulder room (56.5 inches), comfortably seating two adults and squeezing in a third for shorter rides. The front seats were super-comfortable and supportive, with heating and ventilation available on higher trims. Various storage compartments, including cupholders and a small center-console storage bin, ensured functionality.

Similarly, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered comfort across its trim levels, with higher trims adding luxuries like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Even the base Laredo trim, with cloth upholstery, provided comfort and quality. Jeep addressed visibility improvements in the redesign, making off-roading and other driving situations easier and enhancing driver confidence through better sightlines and camera technologies.

Rear-seat legroom, however, was tight, exacerbated by plastic seatback trim. For more legroom, the three-row Grand Cherokee L was preferable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded, compared to 46.9 and 84.6 cubic feet, respectively, in the Grand Cherokee L. This made the two-row version suitable but relatively less accommodating for larger cargo loads compared to its three-row counterpart.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was impressive and easy to use. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views, adding a futuristic touch to the cabin. Features like the color/mood-adjustable LED ambient lights and the standard Integrated Toll Module (ITM) made for a convenient and technologically advanced drive. The optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system provided an outstanding sound experience, and wireless Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee embraced technology wholeheartedly, with a comprehensive head-up display, a Night Vision system, a camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple interior touchscreens. The 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration stood out among the advanced tech features.

Jeep’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system claimed a five-fold improvement in responsiveness, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a configurable Home display and good voice recognition technology, though not infallible. An optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger allowed the co-pilot to assist the driver or enjoy independent entertainment. The larger infotainment screens paired well with the 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 10-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV hadn't been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline-only Q5 achieved top ratings except for the headlights, which were rated "marginal." The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model five stars but hadn't rated the PHEV. The Q5 came equipped with numerous safety features, including six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, and advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an advanced safety structure with extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel. It offered a robust package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving. The hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was scheduled to debut in 2022 for specific approved roads.