2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a return to form for the brand, harking back to its glory days with a large, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of struggle, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a luxurious appearance, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple, except for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a fresh take on a familiar design, drawing inspiration from Jeep's heritage while introducing modern elements. The new Grand Cherokee was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a sportier and more compact option. It featured Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, with a nod to the classic 1963 Wagoneer. The interior was similar to the Grand Cherokee L, with a focus on quality and comfort, especially in higher trims like the Summit Reserve, which offered luxurious features such as quilted leather seats and a high-end audio system. The Grand Cherokee's design aimed to improve visibility and provide a sense of spaciousness, enhanced by the available panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic transmission delivered smooth shifts. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, which was part of the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 5.7-liter V8 engine, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The V8 engine delivered 357 horsepower at 5,150 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee featured three different 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Drive II system offering the most off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim was particularly impressive off-road, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with a stylish center console and ample storage space. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, providing comfort comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. The redesign improved visibility, making it easier to navigate off-road and in urban environments. Rear-seat room was somewhat tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it fell short in terms of screen size and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, and a rear camera mirror. The Enclave's technology offerings were adequate but lacked the advanced features found in some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available as an upgrade. The Grand Cherokee also offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The optional front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment options, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist. The latter provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's safety cage was composed of high-strength steel and aluminum, enhancing crash protection. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022, further improving the Grand Cherokee's safety credentials.