2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

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 was expected to sell well due to its appealing styling, which resembled a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous high-end features, had a window sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the overall design, technology, and comfort represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, priced from $33,700 to $53,400 plus a $1,195 destination charge, was a practical choice for those needing a family-friendly SUV without the bulk and expense of larger models. The Traverse received a light restyle for 2022, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated color choices and appearance packages. The RS trim test vehicle, priced at $48,895, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, making it one of the most appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS had black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. While the materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished metallic accents, the interior was logically laid out with user-friendly controls. The Traverse's design demonstrated a level of styling restraint that was becoming rare in the SUV market.

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. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different four-wheel-drive systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle, equipped with the V6 engine and 4WD, provided brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L averaged 17.8 mpg during testing, below expectations. The SUV featured various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in off-road capability and offered a smooth ride and capable handling on the highway.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, with a pleasant sound under acceleration. The EPA rated the AWD Traverse at 20 mpg combined, and the test vehicle returned 20.9 mpg during evaluation. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride in town, though it could feel soft over larger road anomalies. On the highway, the Traverse was comfortable but had more road and wind noise than desired. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt athletic, with good performance from the V6 drivetrain, steering, and brakes. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and the SUV's tendency to feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds were drawbacks.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, 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 ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants but offered a storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third-row seat easier. The all-black cabin and lack of ventilated front seats were not issues in moderate temperatures. The second-row captain's chairs provided generous legroom but lacked leg support and were too reclined for some adults. The third-row seat was accessible through a wide pass-through or Smart Slide seats, accommodating adults if the second-row seats were adjusted. The Traverse offered abundant storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle had the larger screen and the optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which provided excellent sound quality. Additional 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 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims had an 8-inch high-definition display. The system offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system was available with navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and expanded connected services. The RS trim featured a Bose premium sound system, which was adequate but not impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system performed well, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were useful features.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The system worked well but felt artificial in steering corrections. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered 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 ratings.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.