2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the same design as the previous year, featuring "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. It had sophisticated LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper. Inside, it offered different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The CR-V Hybrid came in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350, with the Touring trim adding features like larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, and a premium sound system. The test vehicle, in Touring trim, cost $37,920 including destination charges.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. It featured a 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 added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. For 2022, Jeep introduced new exterior paint colors: Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky. The interior boasted dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof, offering a luxurious feel.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid used a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—and three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid weighed 194 pounds more than the gas-only version, with a lower center of gravity and slightly better weight distribution. It offered 8.2 inches of ground clearance and returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, below the EPA rating of 38 mpg combined.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two 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 and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 engine struggled with the vehicle's weight, while the V8 provided better performance. The V6 had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was rated at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L featured a stellar chassis, optional air suspension with five ride height settings, and various driving modes for different terrains.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered comfortable front seats with 12-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. Interior storage was impressive, though the wireless smartphone charger took up space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid had 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the gas-only version.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with 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 or an optional 60/40 split bench seat. 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system had a seven-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. It supported wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the voice-recognition technology was limited. The Touring trim included wireless smartphone charging and a nine-speaker premium audio system. The system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including 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, and forward automatic emergency braking.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. It also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.