2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved over time, becoming more palatable since its debut. Initially, the short grille and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but over the years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed to improve. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels. The base Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD appeared generic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined look. The Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof was a standout feature, covering the entire top surface. Despite the crowded crossover SUV market, the Cherokee managed to stand out, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee from the front.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a more rugged and customizable appearance. Buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the practical four-door model, with a variety of powertrains including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Xtreme Recon package added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires. The Wrangler's design was both functional and adventurous, appealing to those seeking an off-road experience.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, each catering to different trim levels. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. A step up was the 3.2-liter V6, delivering 271 hp, while the top-tier engine was a 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite these options, the Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with the V6 achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and the turbo-four in 7.4 seconds. All models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Notably, the Cherokee was available in FWD, appealing to budget-conscious buyers and rental fleets.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was included. The Wrangler's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, these traits were part of the Wrangler's charm, offering an immersive and adventurous driving experience. The Wrangler was designed for off-road exploration, providing a sense of freedom and excitement.

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 terms of utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. Passenger volume was about 102 cubic feet, making it competitive in that aspect. The interior was simple and businesslike, with trim levels affecting the overall feel. The Latitude featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux boasted perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior featured comfortable seats with durable cloth upholstery, and plastic and rubber dominated the materials. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. It offered two screen sizes: a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only wired connections were available. The Cherokee also provided a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was an option, adding convenience in various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis vehicles, offering a familiar experience for users.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had basic infotainment technology with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Despite the smaller screen, the Wrangler provided essential features, including remote engine starting, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn top safety awards from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories. It fell short in the headlight category, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and others "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving due to its design.