2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. This model was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential for confusion with its naming, 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's design, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements, was instantly recognizable as a Jeep and 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, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, and several premium packages, had a sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag, the Summit's quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, featuring a blacked-out exterior trim that gave the SUV a sporty appearance. The Ascent lineup included Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices starting at $32,295 and going up to $45,445, plus a $1,125 destination fee. The test vehicle, an Onyx Edition, included black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. The Onyx Edition was priced at $37,995, with an optional package adding a panoramic moonroof, navigation system, and cargo cover for an additional $2,000.

The Ascent Onyx Edition's interior featured a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching, metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, and plenty of storage options. However, the StarTex material tended to trap sweat, making it uncomfortable on hot days. Despite this, the Ascent's interior was well-designed, with easy access to the third row and ample cargo space.

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 (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 engine had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA fuel economy 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 test vehicle, equipped with the V6 engine and 4WD, offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg on the testing loop, below expectations. The Jeep's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with an electronic locking differential and low-range transfer case setting offered impressive off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, making it easy to park and maneuver.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent with 20-inch wheels had an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined, and the test vehicle averaged 20.5 mpg on the testing loop. The flat-four engine layout provided a lower center of gravity for improved handling, and the CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control for a smooth driving experience. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and offered brisk acceleration and commendable passing power.

Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provided more off-roading capability than many competitors. The Ascent's responsive acceleration, excellent outward visibility, and absorbent suspension made it nimble and maneuverable in urban and suburban settings. On country and mountain roads, the Ascent felt athletic, though its compliant suspension and tall height produced more body motion than desired. On highways, the Ascent's lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel uncertain, but turning them off improved the driving experience.

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. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view.

The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console between the captain's chairs. 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 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition included water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. Captain's chairs were available with every trim level, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the second-row seats.

The Ascent provided plenty of storage, with a useful shelf running the width of the dashboard and large cupholders in the second row. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.8 cubic feet, with a shallow storage area under the floor. Folding the second-row seat down provided 47.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and the maximum volume with both rows folded down was 86.5 cubic feet. Versions with the panoramic sunroof had slightly less cargo space.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. The test vehicle had the larger screen, which offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's natural voice-recognition technology worked well, though it had some quirks. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo didn't fit the interior's overall 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 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting with climate control pre-conditioning. Both systems included volume and tuning knobs and shortcut buttons.

The Ascent's voice recognition technology needed improvement, requiring specific commands to understand requests. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, which lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

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 worked well but felt artificial in the driver's hands. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered 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 ratings.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. EyeSight had some flaws, such as intermittent performance in direct sunlight and a lack of refinement in adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist and a blind-spot monitoring system available with Premium trim and higher.