2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

In 2021, Jeep introduced two Grand Cherokee models: the outgoing five-passenger, two-row Grand Cherokee, awaiting a full redesign in 2022, and the newly unveiled seven-passenger Grand Cherokee L. Despite being a fresh entry, the Grand Cherokee L wasn't merely an extended version of the old model but rather an elongated take on the redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. Jeep chose the '2021' label for this model, potentially causing a bit of confusion, but the distinctive styling was likely to attract numerous buyers.

The Grand Cherokee L mimicked the high-end look of the forthcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, serving as an affordable alternative to those expensive full-size SUVs. With Jeep's unmistakable design trademarks like the seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and recognizable lighting setup, the Grand Cherokee L looked stunning across all trims. The trim levels spread from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging between $36,995 and $64,235, excluding a $1,695 destination charge.

The Summit trim, which we tested, boasted four-wheel drive (4WD), premium features such as the Advanced Pro Tech Group, the Luxury Tech Group, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system. The total sticker price hit $64,770, pushing the price boundary, revealing some interior materials that didn't quite match the hefty price tag. However, the quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and tech-loaded cabin in the Summit trim represented a marked improvement over previous models.

Conversely, the fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced Nissan’s new SUV design language with finesse. The front showcased the company's characteristic V-motion grille, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, with the revamped Nissan logo on a three-slot grille, paying tribute to the first-generation Pathfinder. The LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added flair, while the chunky C-pillar, inspired by the original Pathfinder, gave it a sturdy appeal. Nissan offered 14 paint and color combinations, including an optional black roof that extended to the C-pillar.

The beefier design of the Pathfinder’s side panels and hood echoed the styling of the Kia Telluride more than the Toyota Highlander, achieving the desired robust look. Nissan widened the Pathfinder by 0.6 inches with a 1.2-inch broader track, offering better road presence. Although 0.2 inches taller than its predecessor, it remained 0.8 inches shorter, improving legroom without affecting exterior dimensions.

The Pathfinder came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Chrome accents, privacy glass, and wide-opening doors enhanced its visual appeal. The optional second-row captain's chairs (standard on Platinum) improved functionality. Buyers could tailor their Pathfinder with features like a panoramic moonroof and roof rack, though the Midnight Edition package wasn't available at launch.

Interior upgrades on higher trims rivaled midsize SUVs like the Highlander, Pilot, Explorer, Palisade, and Telluride, positioning the Pathfinder as an upscale contender in the segment.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and three 4WD systems featuring front-axle disconnect for fuel savings. The V6 engine supported up to 6,200 pounds of towing, with an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving.

For more thrust, Jeep offered a 5.7-liter V8 engine, exclusive to the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims with 4WD, producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. It boosted towing capacity to 7,200 pounds, albeit with reduced fuel efficiency at 17 mpg combined. This upgrade cost $3,295.

Our test model, equipped with the V6 engine and 4WD, showed brisk acceleration but got noisy at high revs. The eight-speed transmission was generally smooth but hesitated to downshift in Auto mode for fuel efficiency, which resulted in a disappointing 17.8 mpg during testing. Sport mode offered better handling but held revs excessively, while Selec-Terrain modes like Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock added off-road versatility. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided 8.3 inches of ground clearance in Normal mode, extending to 10.9 inches for off-road adventures.

The Grand Cherokee L impressively handled rough terrains, though only the Overland with the Off-Road Group was Trail Rated. For daily driving, the Grand Cherokee L’s robust structure, smooth ride, and precise steering made it a comfortable, secure, and quiet highway companion, barring when accelerating or using air conditioning on hot days.

Nissan retained the 3.5-liter V6 engine in the 2022 Pathfinder, offering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF. This replaced the old continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled unit.

Available in FWD and AWD, the Pathfinder's AWD models boasted seven drive and terrain modes, while FWD versions had five. Hill-start assist was standard, with hill descent control exclusive to AWD models. The new setup enhanced the Pathfinder’s stable ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively. It offered 6,000 pounds of towing capacity, aided by the Class II tow hitch and trailer harness in higher trims.

The Pathfinder's EPA-rated fuel economy for FWD was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, nearly identical for AWD models. Fully-equipped Platinum AWD models saw a slight drop to 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Notably, it featured a capless fuel filler.

With a stable ride, nimble steering, and a tight turning radius besting rivals like the Highlander, Pilot, and Telluride, the Pathfinder excelled in city driving and off-road trails. Towing was secure with trailer sway control, making it as stable as the Subaru Ascent.

Comfort was a strong suit for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, and a heated steering wheel. It boasted a four-zone automatic climate control system with air vents across all rows. However, the dashboard vents struggled to cool the cabin efficiently in hot weather, resulting in a noisy fan and a prolonged cooling process.

Optional second-row captain’s chairs offered ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades providing shade. The seats allowed easy third-row access without removing child safety seats, making the third row surprisingly comfortable for most adults with a great view provided by large side windows.

Front storage was limited, but second-row passengers had a central storage console, accessible to those in the third row. The cargo space behind the third row was 17.2 cubic feet, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet by folding the third-row seats and up to 84.6 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded. An underfloor storage bin added utility.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility. Enhanced insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thicker second-row glass reduced interior noise. Nissan focused on ease of loading and unloading people and goods, incorporating features like the rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, and optional second-row captain’s chairs. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide system allowed easy third-row access with a one-touch button, even with installed car seats.

Innovative features included a removable second-row center console and a spacious front center console with 13.4 liters of storage due to the electric shifter. Behind the third row, the Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.0 cubic feet with the second-row seats up, and 80.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The flush rear cargo sides facilitated easy loading of wide items, and an underfloor storage area with a self-supporting hinge added practicality.

The Pathfinder comfortably accommodated three adults in the third row, although average or smaller passengers would be ideal. Front and second-row seats provided ample space and comfort, with heated seats standard on mid-level trims and above, and ventilated seats on the Platinum trim.

Jeep equipped the Grand Cherokee L with Uconnect 5, their latest infotainment system. It claimed five times faster response with an improved user interface, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. Our test vehicle sported the larger screen, which, despite minor quirks, offered a seamless experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were notable features. Natural voice recognition with a customizable wake phrase responded effectively to commands, though some search results were unexpected.

The 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, albeit with an incongruous interior theme. Additional tech included a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a digital rearview mirror, thermal-imaging night vision, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display was compatible with polarized sunglasses.

In the 2022 Pathfinder, Nissan focused on practical technology. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a 7-inch driver-information display, two 12-volt power outlets, and four USB ports.

Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door navigation, additional USB ports, HomeLink, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and NissanConnect Services. The Pathfinder Platinum flaunted a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, facilitating relaxed highway driving. While effective, steering assist felt somewhat artificial. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected side threats at intersections, applying brakes to avoid collisions.

A comprehensive suite of driving aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. While crash-test ratings for the Grand Cherokee L weren’t available, improvements over the old model’s structure were expected.

Nissan’s standard Safety Shield 360 in the 2022 Pathfinder included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features were driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning.

Standard on all models were ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh. Upper trims also had a surround-view monitor. Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder during this review.