2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced a whole new dimension to the Jeep lineup by offering a seven-passenger model, detached from its five-passenger predecessor that was set for a redesign in 2022. It aimed to merge the rugged appeal of Jeep’s heritage with a touch of modern luxury. It sported Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements, making it instantly recognizable. The Grand Cherokee L came in multiple trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim test vehicle was equipped with several premium features, though at $64,770, some materials fell short of luxury expectations. However, quilted and perforated leather seats, real wood trim, and abundant technology made the interior a significant upgrade from the earlier model.

Contrarily, the 2022 Nissan Rogue followed up on its successful 2021 redesign by adopting a more mature and polished look. The exterior featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, daytime running lights, and in higher trims, LED fog lamps. Notably, the Rogue had active grille shutters and an air-curtain system to improve aerodynamics. The floating roof illusion and a contoured liftgate completed its sophisticated exterior. The interior kept up with trends by offering a layered dashboard design, an electronic gear selector, generous storage solutions, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display prominently placed for better driver visibility. Nissan's Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats ensured driver comfort, aided by a spacious second row, making it practical for family use.

Every 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive or multiple 4WD systems. The V6 engine facilitated brisk acceleration but was audibly noticeable at high revs. The optional 5.7-liter V8 provided 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, improving towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. During testing, the V6 with 4WD model averaged 17.8 mpg, reflecting some inefficiencies. Jeep’s Quadra-Lift suspension and various off-road modes ensured capable handling and off-road prowess, with clear, easy-to-manage controls enhancing everyday drivability.

In the 2022 Nissan Rogue, performance saw a notable upgrade with the introduction of the 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, generating 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This increased power, coupled with an improved CVT, gave the Rogue a more responsive and lively driving experience. Fuel economy also saw a boost, with the Rogue achieving an impressive 33 mpg combined according to EPA estimates. The new transmission, with its wider gear ratios, provided better off-the-line acceleration and more efficient cruising, reducing the typical CVT drone. The updated chassis and suspension delivered a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and a tight turning diameter of 35.4 feet enhanced maneuverability. Overall, the Rogue combined efficiency with a notably improved driving experience.

Inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, comfort was emphasized through heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with a four-zone climate control system. However, small dashboard vents made it a challenge to quickly cool the cabin. Second-row captain’s chairs, or an optional bench seat, offered flexibility and ease for installing child seats. The third-row seating provided surprisingly good comfort for adults, thanks to large windows and a spacious design. In terms of cargo, the Jeep offered 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. Practical storage for front-row occupants was somewhat lacking compared to the model's overall family-centric design.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue demonstrated thoughtful design in terms of storage and utility. The front cabin included multiple spots to stash items, like bottle holders, a glove compartment, and various bins and trays. The second row featured a 60/40 split-reclining bench and charging ports for rear passengers. Cargo space was more generous compared to many in its class, offering between 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 74.1 cubic feet when folded flat. These dimensions underlined the Rogue’s capacity for accommodating both passengers and luggage comfortably, making it an excellent option for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured Jeep's Uconnect 5 system, promising five times faster response and a more user-friendly interface. Available in two touchscreen sizes, 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided top-notch sound quality, though the branding’s aesthetics didn’t align perfectly with the interior design. Other notable tech included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitor. The head-up display impressed by remaining visible even with polarized sunglasses on.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue carried forward its tech boost from the 2021 redesign. Key upgrades included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. With navigation equipped, the Rogue utilized Google Maps and Waze through voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, available with Navi-Link, combined advanced driving aids with navigational awareness to adjust speed proactively for upcoming road conditions, marking strides toward autonomous driving technology. Nissan’s Intelligent Key added convenience by allowing rear-door access via a tap, reflecting careful consideration for users frequently carrying rear passengers.

Jeep introduced Active Driving Assist in the 2021 Grand Cherokee L, a hands-on system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Despite some artificial steering sensations, it offered significant highway driving ease. Intersection Collision Assist was another innovative safety feature, capable of detecting cross-traffic threats at intersections and braking if needed. The model also provided parking aids and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. Crash-test ratings for the new Grand Cherokee L weren’t available yet, but improvements over its predecessor were anticipated.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured Safety Shield 360 across all trims, which included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Ten airbags and extended crumple zones were standard for passive safety. Added options like blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition enhanced protection further. ProPilot Assist, especially with Navi-Link, provided a hands-on yet advanced driver-assist system that managed speed, braking, and steering in various conditions. The Rogue earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain high scores from the IIHS, continuing its streak of safety excellence.