2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Ford Bronco

Before we dive into the comparison, it’s worth stating that the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L marked a significant departure from its five-passenger predecessor. This new seven-passenger model wasn’t based on the existing Grand Cherokee but featured an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 redesign. The Grand Cherokee L was essentially a preview of the future model, complete with a third row of seats and increased cargo volume. Its styling drew heavily from the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, giving it a smaller yet still premium appearance. With standard Jeep design cues such as the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, the Grand Cherokee L looked striking across all trim levels, from Laredo to the Summit Reserve.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, meanwhile, capitalized on its nostalgic design and go-anywhere attitude, quickly becoming one of the most in-demand vehicles. Following a successful debut, the Bronco returned with two new models: Everglades and Bronco Raptor, though the latter had its own separate review. The Everglades model particularly intrigued with its swamp-trekking capabilities, including a snorkel intake and a Warn winch. Retro aesthetics combined with modern off-road functionality gave the Bronco an iconic look, enhanced by factors such as short overhangs, tall ride height, and signature large recovery hooks.

Both SUVs offered substantial visual appeal, yet their styling catered to different tastes. The Grand Cherokee L leaned toward a more refined, upscale look, making it a hit in suburban settings. In contrast, the Bronco flaunted rugged, utilitarian design cues that delighted off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering the choice of rear-wheel drive or three 4WD systems. The V6 variant had a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds and an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving. For more power, Jeep made a 5.7-liter V8 engine available in higher trims, generating 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel efficiency to 17 mpg combined. During our testing, the V6 model with 4WD managed a mere 17.8 mpg, making its downshift-resistant Auto driving mode somewhat understandable.

Four off-road modes enhanced the Grand Cherokee L’s versatility, while the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and a 24-inch water fording capacity. Thanks to its stiffer structure, the Jeep offered a smooth yet firm ride and handled well, though it exhibited some softness over rough patches.

In contrast, the Bronco’s base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A 2.7-liter V6 was also available, producing 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. These engines were mated to either a seven-speed manual transmission—exclusive to the four-cylinder—or a 10-speed automatic. All models featured four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case.

Both powertrains provided ample thrust, easily navigating challenging terrains. The Bronco’s off-road prowess was unmatched, especially in the Wildtrak and Everglades models, which could ford water up to 36.4 inches deep. What stood out was the Bronco's performance on paved roads, with precise steering and minimal road noise, making it more comfortable for long trips compared to typical off-roaders.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized comfort and convenience within its spacious cabin. Our Summit-trim test vehicle boasted heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with a heated steering wheel and a four-zone automatic climate control system. These features contributed to a premium experience, although the small dashboard vents struggled in extreme heat. The second-row captain’s chairs, offering ample legroom and convenience for families, could also tip and slide forward for easier third-row access.

In terms of cargo space, the Grand Cherokee L provided 17.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and maxing out at 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. However, it lacked practical storage spaces for front-seat occupants, despite useful storage solutions for second-and third-row passengers.

The Ford Bronco delivered flexibility, with its squared-off design maximizing headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. Getting into the SUV could be a challenge, particularly in higher trims, but strategically placed grab handles and side steps helped. The two-door model offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet when folded, while the four-door version increased these figures to 35.6 and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively.

Clever storage solutions in the Bronco included a large armrest bin, netted door pockets, and a rubberized phone tray. Additionally, the stowable doors and quick-release fender flares added to its practical appeal.

Jeep’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system in the Grand Cherokee L offered fast response times and an improved user experience, featuring an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Our test vehicle included the larger screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, among other features. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system sounded excellent, particularly for bass enthusiasts, although its aesthetics clashed with the interior design.

Highlighted tech features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. Notably, the head-up display remained visible even to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

In the Bronco, Sync 4 powered the infotainment system with rapid responses and sharp graphics, supplemented by off-road apps for added functionality. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and was compatible with a wireless charging pad. Additional technological aids like the forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist greatly improved the Bronco’s off-road usability, allowing drivers to navigate complex terrains with ease.

Jeep introduced its first Active Driving Assist system with the Grand Cherokee L, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While commendable, the steering assist felt slightly artificial. Another unique feature on Summit models, Intersection Collision Assist, could detect side threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. Additional safety aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. At the time, crash-test ratings were unavailable, though improvements were anticipated over the previous model.

The Bronco had hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control as standard features, with advanced options like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, and rear parking sensors available. More advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist was offered in higher packages. The Bronco received a four-star frontal crash rating and a three-star rollover rating from NHTSA, while IIHS rated it "Good" in most crash tests and "Acceptable" for head restraints and seats.