2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its naming, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, especially with the arrival of the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L's design, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, was instantly recognizable as a Jeep and looked impressive across all trim levels.

Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee L in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD and several premium packages, had a window sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag, the Summit's quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology made for a substantial improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was available in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trim levels. Most trims came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and either FWD or AWD, while the RS trim featured a V6 engine and a more sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system. For 2022, the Blazer saw minor updates, including revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier version, a new Enhanced Convenience Package, and a Trailering Package for models with the turbocharged engine. Two-tone paint options were also introduced for the LT and RS trims.

Blazer pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Blazer RS with AWD and several optional packages, totaled $49,000. The Blazer's Camaro-inspired design was appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels, but the black trim on the rear bumper gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, innovative climate controls, and plenty of hard plastic, which detracted from the overall quality. However, the red interior accents in the RS trim added a touch of sophistication.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 engine offered a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined.

Our test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but becoming loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg on our testing loop, below expectations. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered a smooth ride and capable handling, with various off-road modes and impressive ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee L was easy to park, thanks to its surround-view camera system and tight turning circle, and it performed well on highways with secure on-center steering feel and a relatively quiet cabin.

The 2022 Blazer featured a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. The Blazer RS came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, also paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine.

In city and suburban driving, the Blazer RS felt firm and sporty, with satisfying acceleration from the V6 engine, though it often sounded loud and unrefined. The 20-inch wheels provided decent grip, and the steering felt good in most driving modes. However, in Sport mode, the Blazer's suspension and steering were less pleasing, with the nine-speed automatic transmission being slow to downshift and the steering feeling artificially heavy. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg on our testing loop, slightly below the EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort and convenience, especially in the Summit trim, which featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seats were surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view.

The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console between the captain's chairs. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down and 84.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Blazer's interior was reasonably comfortable and useful, with black leather upholstery and red perforations in the RS trim adding a sporty appearance. The steering wheel was pleasing to grip, with power tilt and telescopic adjustment and heating. Both front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the bottom cushions were too short and lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents helped keep passengers comfortable, with USB ports and a household-style power outlet for added convenience.

The Blazer's back seat was wide and flat, with plenty of room for legs, knees, and feet, and it could slide forward and back on tracks to adjust cargo or passenger space. Storage space was impressive, with a large glove compartment, a bin under the center armrest, and various shelves and bins in the door panels. The Blazer's cargo area measured 30.5 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, which was small for a midsize crossover SUV.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, which integrated well with the dashboard. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results.

Our test vehicle also had the optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system, which sounded terrific but had a logo that didn't fit the interior's overall vibe. Other available features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen display, high-resolution graphics, and modern appearance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an upgraded version adding satellite radio and connected navigation with enhanced voice recognition. Connected services, including OnStar and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, were also available, though trial periods were short.

The Blazer's infotainment system was easy to use, with separate stereo volume and tuning functions and climate controls that were independent of the touchscreen. The enhanced voice recognition and connected navigation systems were fast and accurate. Our test vehicle also had wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system, which was underwhelming. Safety features included rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror, which were essential due to the Blazer's poor rear visibility.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the steering assist felt artificial. Jeep planned to upgrade Active Driving Assist to a hands-free system for the 2022 model year. Another notable feature was Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats from either side and apply the brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a complete package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Available upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems worked well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keeping assistance. However, the Blazer did not receive a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS due to its headlights' performance.