2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, was a stylish subcompact vehicle. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, stacked triple front lights similar to the Hyundai Kona, and two-tone paint schemes reminiscent of the Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. Our test vehicle, priced at $30,580, included Mosaic Black paint, a Summit White roof, and Jet Black leatherette seats with Arizona cabin accents. The interior design was excellent, with a well-thought-out control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic was less justifiable at higher price points.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length to accommodate a third row of seats, was an elegant and recognizable Jeep. The design included the iconic seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The spacious cabin, even in the third row, and the attention to detail made it a comfortable and visually stimulating environment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base models came with a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Higher trims featured a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and when equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), the CVT was replaced by a 9-speed automatic. The Activ AWD’s powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. The 9-speed automatic provided smooth gear changes, and Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. The Trailblazer averaged 26.6 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. However, the driving dynamics had quirks, such as transmission hesitation in Normal mode and a disconnected on-center steering feel. The suspension impact harshness was notable, especially over sharp bumps.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, while sufficient, required high revs and was noisy under acceleration. The V8, available on higher trims, provided better performance and a pleasing sound. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was 14/22/17. The chassis was stellar, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L could handle rough roads, but all-terrain tires were recommended for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer’s interior had some drawbacks. Cloth seats were only available on lower trims, and the leatherette seats tended to trap sweat. The automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin cool, and the rear seats were uncomfortable with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. However, the cargo space was practical, expanding from 25.3 cubic feet to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo-toting length.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof, large windows, and USB ports enhanced comfort on long journeys. However, the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high, which was loud.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Teen Driver technology, and Chevrolet Connected Access services with a WiFi hotspot. The upgraded system for Activ and RS trims featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization. The interface was simple and intuitive, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning. The Bose premium sound system effectively drowned out road noise.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s upper trims included premium features such as multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-seat reminder system. Optional features included a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were sometimes over- or under-reactive, and the lane departure warning system was inconsistent.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Summit trims offered additional safety features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.