2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Honda HR-V

The 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs like the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot, which favored a more traditional SUV look. The HR-V's design was distinctive, featuring unique details such as upper and lower window lines converging near the taillights, which also housed the rear door handles. Most trim levels came with 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport models boasting matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior, while plain, was functional and offered good material quality and fit. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L included features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with the EX-L also offering leather upholstery.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, with an additional 11.4 inches in length to accommodate a third row of seats. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, featuring a seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end, all modernized with slimmer, brighter lighting. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a premium feel. The vehicle's design was further enhanced by new exterior paint colors and high-end trims like the Summit and Summit Reserve, which included black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While all-wheel drive (AWD) was available, front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard. The HR-V's powertrain was considered underpowered for highway driving, especially when compared to competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek, which offered more powerful engine options. However, the HR-V's chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda's reputation for fun cars. Despite its limitations in off-road capabilities and towing, the HR-V offered decent ride quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was found lacking for a vehicle of this size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights. The vehicle's towing capacity was impressive, with up to 7,200 pounds for 4WD models.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space, offering 58.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down (57.6 for AWD models) and 24.3 cubic feet with the seats up (23.2 for AWD). This surpassed many competitors, although the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross offered more. The HR-V provided ample rear-seat legroom, leading its segment, while front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob, with a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easy driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior offered ample space across all three rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, although the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-equipped, with options for a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 10.3-inch display for the front passenger, along with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens for rear passengers.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim included standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the Sport trim provided a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was straightforward, with two USB ports for charging and connectivity. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was considered small, and competitors offered more standard features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims boasted premium features like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were wireless and allowed for dual phone connections. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition, with a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo available on the Summit Reserve.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The vehicle also offered various driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.