2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Ford had been tantalizing the public since 2004 with the Bronco Concept, and when they finally released the 2021 Bronco, it took heavy inspiration from its 1966 predecessor. It presented a rugged, retro look aptly described as "Retrofuturism." This design language successfully combined classic Bronco elements like a single-piece grille with massive B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and boxy lines. Available in both two-door and four-door setups, the Bronco offered modularity to an extreme degree, with easily removable fenders, doors, and even bumpers. The retro vibe threaded through the vehicle's entire design, making it an eye-catcher whether sporting 16-inch steel or 18-inch aluminum wheels.

2022 saw the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and it added 11.4 inches and a third row of seats extending the standard Grand Cherokee into a formidable midsize SUV. Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were present but modernized with slimmer, brighter lighting. The Grand Cherokee L managed to hide its additional length so seamlessly that it made the two-row version almost look like it was missing something. Elegantly designed even in its base Laredo trim, the high-end Summit and Summit Reserve added a black roof, larger wheels, and extra chrome detail. New colors like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky further accentuated the vehicle's appeal.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured two engine options at launch: a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The base engine was paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the more powerful V6 came with a 10-speed automatic. These engines, along with standard four-wheel drive, ensured robust off-road and on-road capabilities. The Bronco handled Michigan’s treacherous off-road trails adeptly, showcasing its sure-footedness and balance, with 35-inch tires making mud, slick rock, and treacherous trails manageable.

For the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the engine options included a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower with 260 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 5.7-liter V8 that delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. A more powerful and efficient 4xe plug-in hybrid variant boasting 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque was anticipated but unavailable in the Grand Cherokee L. While the V6 was found somewhat wanting for a vehicle of this size, with audible strain under heavy load, the chassis and air suspension provided a stellar, well-composed ride.

The Bronco designers intelligently blended practical features with modularity. Removable doors could be stored within the vehicle using dedicated protective bags. The vehicle also featured easily replaceable bumpers and fenders, making it convenient for repairs. Trail sights on the hood helped manage roof-mounted cargo, and sturdy grab handles enhanced user experience. The dash catered to off-road activities, with accessible control buttons and toggles. Both two-door and four-door models provided a comfortable cabin experience, though the rear seats in the two-door variant were predictably tighter.

Inside the Grand Cherokee L, Jeep offered an intuitive, aesthetically pleasing Uconnect 5 infotainment system with separate tactile controls for climate and audio. Space was generous across all three rows, allowing even adults to find comfort in the third row for extended periods. Still, the climate control airflow felt insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on a high setting, which was quite loud. Cargo capacity was commendable with all seats up and expanded significantly with the third row folded down.

The Bronco’s tech suite included a user-friendly SYNC 4 infotainment system. Standard models came with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 12 inches, alongside a premium 10-speaker B&O sound system and navigation in higher trims. The G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) system, featuring multiple drive modes, ensured off-road versatility. Technology like position-sensitive Bilstein shock absorbers in the Sasquatch Package showcased the Bronco’s dedication to off-road prowess.

Jeep went above and beyond with the Grand Cherokee L by offering a plethora of premium tech features in upper trims. This included massage modes for 16-way adjustable seats, a head-up display, and night vision capabilities. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and active driving assist played pivotal roles in enhancing the vehicle’s safety and convenience. The upper trims even offered optional touchscreen displays for the front passenger and rear-seaters, bringing Amazon Fire TV into the mix.

Ford packed the 2021 Bronco with various safety features tiered by trim levels. The base model included standard airbags, while mid-tier trims offered Ford Co-Pilot 360 features like pre-collision assist and lane-keeping systems. Higher-tier trims also included a 360-degree camera system and additional sensors. Despite not yet having crash test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS, the Bronco’s safety package made it a reassuring choice for many.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L also had no crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS at the time. Still, the vehicle included driver and passenger knee airbags, rear seat alerts, and trailer sway control as standard. Advanced driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring reinforced the vehicle's reliability in diverse driving conditions.