2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fresh addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo space. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L was expected to sell well, largely due to its appealing design. It bore a resemblance to the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, presenting a smaller yet equally stylish alternative. The Grand Cherokee L was unmistakably a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements, ensuring it 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, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The test vehicle featured the Summit trim, 4WD, and several premium options, bringing the total to $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were visually appealing, and the vehicle was packed with technology. Overall, the redesigned interior marked a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a unique and immersive driving experience, characterized by its rugged charm and off-road capabilities. Buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model, and then decide on the powertrain, with options ranging from a turbocharged four-cylinder to a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's core trim levels included Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop, and the Xtreme Recon package, which included a suspension lift and 35-inch tires.

The Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler was known for its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride. However, these traits were part of its charm, offering a driving experience that engaged all the senses. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and practical features like floor drain plugs. While the High Tide model approached $60,000, it retained the rugged essence that made the Wrangler a beloved off-roader.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered either rear-wheel drive or a choice of three 4WD systems. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration, though it was loud when revved, and the transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L's maximum tow rating was 6,200 pounds, and it was expected to achieve 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine was available for certain trims, increasing power to 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, though fuel economy dropped to 17 mpg combined.

The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered a smooth ride and capable handling, with various off-road modes for different terrains. The Summit trim featured a Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting. Ground clearance ranged from 8.3 inches in Normal mode to 10.9 inches in Off-Road settings, with a water fording capability of 24 inches. The Grand Cherokee L was adept at tackling challenging terrain, though only the Overland model with the Off-Road Group was Trail Rated.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory option, and the test vehicle featured the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg during testing. The Wrangler was known for its frequent fuel stops, loud cabin, and rough ride, but these traits were part of its appeal, offering a unique and engaging driving experience.

The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Xtreme Recon package, which included a suspension lift, revised shock tuning, and 35-inch tires. The Wrangler's driving experience was immersive, with the open-top design allowing drivers to feel connected to their surroundings. While the Wrangler was not known for its comfort or refinement, it excelled in providing a sense of adventure and freedom.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable and spacious interior, especially in the Summit trim. It featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, along with a heated steering wheel. The four-zone automatic climate control system provided air vents in all three rows, though the dashboard vents were small and struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs offered ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows providing a great view.

The Grand Cherokee L's cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. However, practical storage space for front-seat occupants was limited, though second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console between the captain's chairs.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustment due to its location. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, and the interior featured plastic and rubber materials with some padded spots for comfort. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation.

Visibility in the Wrangler was mixed, with small intersections requiring drivers to lean forward to see overhead traffic lights. The High Tide's 35-inch spare tire obstructed the rear view, but the reversing camera and safety features helped mitigate this. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on the door panels and small compartments for items. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available, with the test vehicle featuring the larger 10.1-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo's design clashed with the interior's aesthetic.

Additional technology 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 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While the larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features like satellite radio and a WiFi hotspot, the test vehicle's setup was sufficient for basic needs. The Wrangler High Tide included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the system's steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more abrupt than expected. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive 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 improvements over the previous model were anticipated.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its crash-test ratings were subpar, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety performance required extra caution from drivers.