2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended seamlessly with other compact crossovers in the market. Its exterior styling was almost indistinguishable from its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but most were shades of gray, black, or white, with only a few vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic, which were hard to find in dealer inventories. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. Higher trims added wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide edition stood out with its rugged and distinctive look. The High Tide model featured a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, giving it a commanding presence. The Hydro Blue paint sparkled brilliantly in direct sunlight, and the Sunrider Fliptop added a unique touch. Inside, the Wrangler's interior was basic but functional, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials dominating the cabin. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, contributing to the Wrangler's unique and memorable driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-performance driving but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It took about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. Its suspension setup, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, ensured decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was great for slippery conditions. The Wrangler's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride, but it offered an immersive and adventurous feel that appealed to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five people and their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area could be accessed via a manual tailgate on lower trims, a power tailgate on the EX-L, and a hands-free power tailgate on the Touring trim. Roof rails were only standard on the top-of-the-line Touring trim.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was durable. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but had agreeable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler's cargo space included 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch spare wheel, required careful handling when opening.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a range of infotainment options. The base LX had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The EX and above trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, with the Touring trim boasting a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but our test vehicle did not have this option. The Wrangler High Tide included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included advanced safety features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was the blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star NHTSA rating for rollover resistance and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact test. The Wrangler's headlight performance also rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.