2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was slightly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats, enhancing the upscale look and feel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's extended-length Grand Cherokee L, maintained Jeep's design traditions while offering a sportier, five-passenger configuration. Available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding the $1,795 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's styling drew inspiration from the 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo offering good quality cloth seats and higher trims like the Summit Reserve providing luxurious features such as premium quilted leather, heated and ventilated front seats with massage, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with firm but comfortable suspension and well-managed body motions. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or a V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing the tow rating 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's fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. 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 provided a thrilling driving experience. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the adaptive damping Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, providing comfort and adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for various seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, the second-row seats needed to be physically removed to access the maximum cargo volume.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable cabin for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The three-row Grand Cherokee L provided more cargo space, with 46.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.6 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system, available on Touring and Elite trims, included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard on all trims, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and voice recognition. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee also featured a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-inch head-up display, and an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The McIntosh high-end audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing on all trims. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with five-star ratings in all assessments except rollover resistance, which received a four-star rating.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of ADAS and a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package 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 semi-autonomous driving assistance with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The system worked well but required driver attention on tight curves. The new Grand Cherokee's crash-test performance remained to be seen, but the extensive use of high-strength materials suggested improved safety.