2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 GMC Terrain

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 model year designation, 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 was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. It was available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim test vehicle, loaded with features, had a window sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing, and the redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. The test vehicle came with extra-cost Ebony Twilight metallic paint, the blacked-out AT4 treatment, and a black leather interior. It was equipped with the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, a Skyscape panoramic sunroof, and a three-year subscription to OnStar services, bringing the MSRP to $41,810, including the $1,395 destination charge. More affordable SLE and SLT trims were available, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Terrain Denali added a layer of luxury. However, the Terrain's entry-level status was evident in the quality of materials and execution of details. The optional head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic panel rather than the windshield, and the pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive. Despite these shortcomings, the Terrain's caramel-colored contrast piping and stitching added a touch of elegance.

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 rear-wheel drive or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 had 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 Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve 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 V8 added $3,295 to the price. The test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, offering brisk acceleration but loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved but sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg on the testing loop. The Jeep offered a Sport driving mode and additional Selec-Terrain off-road modes, including Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock. The Quadra-Lift suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L's stiffer structure resulted in a smooth ride and capable handling, with easy-to-judge corners and a surround-view camera system aiding in parking. The SUV was also comfortable on the highway, with secure on-center steering feel and a relatively quiet cabin.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which offered better acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, was no longer available. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds. The engine's 170 horsepower arrived at 5,600 rpm, with torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band once rolling, but there was a delay off the line. The Terrain's competitors were not significantly more powerful, and the turbocharging helped at elevation. The Terrain AT4 could switch between FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system available. Torque steer was an issue in FWD mode but disappeared in AWD. The Terrain AT4 had 7.9 inches of ground clearance, less than some competitors. The Terrain AT4 offered a good ride and decent handling on pavement, with thick tire sidewalls absorbing bumps. The SUV was smooth on highways and city streets, with some extra road noise from the sport-terrain tires. Off-road, the Terrain AT4's front end scraped the ground, and the sport-terrain tires lacked grip in curves. The Terrain AT4's powertrain met fuel economy expectations, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg and an observed 26.2 mpg on the evaluation loop.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system with air vents in all three rows. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The Grand Cherokee L's second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The captain's chairs could tip and slide forward without removing child safety seats, and the third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers had a storage console. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, with a useful storage bin underneath the load floor. Folding the third-row seat down provided 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 84.6 cubic feet.

The 2022 GMC Terrain simplified life with a roomy interior for a compact crossover, numerous comfort-enhancing features, and good cargo-carrying capability. The Terrain AT4 included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air-conditioning vents. The eight-way power driver's seat allowed for a comfortable driving position, and the climate control system was effective. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching and piping, giving it an upscale feel. The back seat was roomy, with proper support, plenty of legroom, and softly padded front seatbacks. The AT4 also had a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's interior had numerous storage slots and spots, including a small shelf in the dashboard, narrow shelves in the door panels, and on the sides of the center console. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a large storage bin underneath the trunk floor. Folding the rear seat down provided 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and the front passenger's seat could be folded down for longer items.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system sounded terrific, especially for bass enthusiasts, though the logo didn't fit the interior's vibe. Depending on the trim level, the Grand Cherokee L also offered 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 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen with SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen with SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The larger screen offered connected navigation, natural voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Bose speakers were less impressive, and the infotainment system's presentation was better in the related Chevrolet Equinox. The Terrain's head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic panel, part of the new Tech Package, which also included front and rear park assist sensors and a surround-view camera system. The Terrain's Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting system were also useful features.

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. The system aimed to allow drivers to relax on long highway trips, though the steering assist felt artificial. The Jeep also featured Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L 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 the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, 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 GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, available with SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims and standard with Denali trim, added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The safety features worked effectively and subtly during testing. The Terrain lacked a lane-centering function. The IIHS awarded the 2022 Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of the review.