2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced in 2015, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. The 2017 model was the first to include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and in 2020, the infotainment system was updated. For 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, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offered a range of trims from Laredo to Summit Reserve. Prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's design reflected Jeep traditions, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo trim providing good quality and the Summit Reserve trim offering luxury features like premium leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The gloss black finish on higher trims' controls could be problematic due to reflections, while lower trims used a more functional matte-black finish.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a single engine option: 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 the engine sufficed for city driving, it struggled at highway speeds and during passing maneuvers, making plenty of noise. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over potholes, but its tight turning radius provided good maneuverability in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and were more fun to drive. Chevrolet planned to introduce a retuned engine for the 2022 Trax, increasing horsepower to 155 while maintaining the same torque.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee used an eight-speed automatic transmission with a dial-style shifter, which could be tricky to use. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6 and any drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. The V6 engine was preferred for its balance of efficiency and performance, while the V8 offered a thrilling driving experience at the cost of fuel economy.

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 for large water bottles. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could fold flat for larger items. These cargo figures were mid-pack for the subcompact SUV segment, and there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, front seat massagers, and more. The base Laredo trim, with cloth upholstery, still provided a sense of quality. Jeep improved visibility with the redesign, enhancing situational awareness, especially when off-roading. The available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim could be uncomfortable. The Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom and greater cargo capacity. 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 back seat folded.

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

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The McIntosh high-end audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration were standout features. Jeep equipped the Grand Cherokee with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, voice recognition, and voice text reply capability. The Bluetooth connection supported two devices simultaneously. The larger 10.1-inch screen complemented the 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and available 10-inch head-up display. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger allowed for reduced driver distraction and personal entertainment options.

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 award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included an array of airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, the Trax lacked advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning, which were standard in many rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed extensively of aluminum and high-strength steel. The Grand Cherokee included Intersection Collision Assist, Active Driving Assist, and a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist coming in 2022. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The system was effective on the road but required driver attention on tight curves. The hands-free version would allow drivers to let the Grand Cherokee handle most of the driving on approved roads.