2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced in 2015, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, dual front USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear window tint, roof rails, LED head- and taillights, remote start, cruise control, chrome belt-line moldings, and silver-painted skid plates. It also included upgraded cloth and leatherette seats, a cargo security cover, and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. The wheelbase stretched five inches for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The Grand Cherokee L was introduced first as a 2021 model, making the standard Grand Cherokee look truncated. The design was elegant and recognizable as a Jeep, 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. For 2022, new exterior paint colors included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered a single engine: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While sufficient for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, harsh over potholes, but a tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and better driving experiences. A retuned engine for the 2022 Trax was expected to produce 155 horsepower.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 engine was found lacking in power for a vehicle of this size, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, offered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided a stellar ride, with optional air suspension offering five ride height settings. The vehicle's driving modes adjusted various systems for different terrains, making it versatile for both on-road and off-road conditions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but poorly bolstered rear seats. The front featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items. However, there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with straightforward graphics and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, 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. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort. However, the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high, which was loud.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. 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 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera, with additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection available in the LT Convenience Package.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.