2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

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 redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its naming, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. Its design elements, such as the signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, made it instantly recognizable as a Jeep. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, from the base Laredo to the high-end Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, and several luxury packages, had a sticker price of $64,770. While the interior materials and fittings didn't always justify the high price, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing. The Grand Cherokee L was loaded with technology, and its redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the older model.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in several trims: base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Prices started at $25,195 for the base model, with the top-tier Touring priced at $35,295, plus a $1,125 destination charge. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. Our test vehicle, the new-for-2022 Forester Wilderness, was priced at $33,945, including destination, and featured white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and an option package that added a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate. The total price came to $36,014.

The Forester Wilderness had a rugged appearance, with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces that exuded quality and clarity of purpose. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three display screens could be a bit overwhelming. Overall, the 2022 Forester Wilderness was well-made, with improved front styling and a focus on practicality and off-road capability.

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. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. This upgrade added $3,295 to the price.

Our test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but becoming loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg during testing, below expectations. The Jeep offered various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in off-road conditions and provided a smooth ride on highways, though it could feel soft over uneven pavement.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, and our test vehicle averaged 25.9 mpg.

The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT, with eight programmed ratios, performed well, and the SI-Drive system in the Wilderness model provided more lively response. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different surfaces, and the Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks improved ground clearance to 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, handling sand, rocks, and mud with ease, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit trim offered 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. The third-row seats were 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, though second-row passengers had a storage console. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and standard all-weather floor mats. The Forester Wilderness included upgraded roof rails with integrated tie-down locations, accommodating a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds. Comfort levels were high in both the front and back seats, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports.

Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. Folding the rear seats down provided 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof), making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs. The Wilderness trim also included a full-size spare tire.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also included a natural voice-recognition system and an optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

Additional 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 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in base trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The Forester Wilderness included a PIN Code Access feature, allowing drivers to leave the key fob in the vehicle and use a PIN code to re-enter.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The system worked well but felt artificial in the driver's hands. The Jeep also offered Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Other safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, though crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.