2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved over time, and while initial reactions to its short grille and swept-back headlights were mixed, familiarity seemed to have improved its appeal. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. Despite its crowded segment, the Cherokee managed to stand out, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, particularly from the front.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent styling updates that included a new grille, LED headlights, and subtle rear fascia changes, giving it a sleeker look. The Equinox maintained its car-based crossover identity, avoiding the rugged styling of some competitors. Its tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia offered a balance between car-like and SUV-like appearances. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a central touchscreen and air vents, and materials were decent for its price range. The new RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, but the interior was considered too subdued.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower for the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims. A 3.2-liter V-6 engine increased output to 271 hp, while the top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite these options, acceleration was not a standout feature, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which improved over time. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Front-wheel drive was available, catering to budget-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox simplified its powertrain to a single 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. It used a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. While the Equinox had more torque than many rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The engine performed well in city driving but felt coarse at higher speeds. The transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the Equinox lacked sporty handling. It was comfortable on rough roads but lacked the refinement of some competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. Passenger volume was about 102 cubic feet, competitive in its class. The interior was simple and businesslike, with trim levels affecting satisfaction. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox provided seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox offered a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by small windows. The climate control layout was practical, with controls prominently placed. Cargo space was 29.9 cubic feet with rear seats up and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded, near the bottom of the segment.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. It offered 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, depending on the trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. A 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration were available, along with remote start. The system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen and additional features like navigation and a Bose audio system. The MyLink system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good graphics. Wireless connectivity was a significant advantage, though the phone storage slot was too small.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in most IIHS crashworthiness categories but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. It had a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with some demerits in crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox earned "Good" scores in most IIHS tests but received a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It had a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.