2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Subaru Outback

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 confusion of its release timing, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous luxury features, had a total cost of $64,770. While some interior materials fell short of expectations at this price point, the overall design and technology represented a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged variant of the popular Outback, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. These features, along with a unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, gave the Wilderness a distinctive look. The interior featured dark gray StarTex water-repellant upholstery, a black headliner, and various Anodized Copper accents. While the seats lacked ventilation, they were heated, and the cabin included all-weather floor mats and waterproof materials. Positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT trims, the Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995, with a destination charge of $1,125. The test vehicle, with additional features like a power sunroof and navigation system, totaled $39,965. The Wilderness trim added purpose and personality to the Outback's styling, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.

The 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. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different four-wheel-drive (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 certain 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 featured the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but noticeable engine noise when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L averaged 17.8 mpg during testing, below expectations. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Sport and off-road settings, with the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in off-road capability, especially the Trail Rated Overland model with the Off-Road Group. On the highway, the SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, with the surround-view camera system aiding in parking.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for the midsize crossover. The engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters for manual control. While the CVT's droning and simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience during hard acceleration, the engine's performance was generally strong. The Outback Wilderness had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, though it averaged 21.3 mpg during testing on a mountainous route. The Wilderness trim's unique features included a taller stance, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capability. The redesigned front and rear bumpers improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, while the dual-function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control further boosted off-road performance. On pavement, the Outback Wilderness felt quick but limited by its tires, while off-road, it excelled in handling challenging terrain.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the Summit trim. It featured 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 small dashboard vents struggled to cool the cabin quickly in hot weather. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seats were surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view. Practical storage space was limited for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers had a storage console, and the cargo area offered 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment and the front passenger seat 8-way power adjustment. The dual-zone automatic climate control effectively cooled the front half of the cabin. The rear seat provided generous space for two adults or three children, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat, with waterproof materials and a cargo tray for added durability. The Outback Wilderness also featured a robust roof rack with a 220-pound dynamic load rating and a 700-pound static load rating for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. 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 also included a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo's design felt out of place. Additional available 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 Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for essential functions, most controls required the use of the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less responsive to natural commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, the PIN code entry technology allowed for secure access to the vehicle without the key fob, making it convenient for outdoor activities.

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. While the system worked well, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more abrupt than expected. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's safety performance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness maintained the effectiveness of the standard EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness trim also featured steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. However, it lacked the DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology available in higher trims. EyeSight technology performed well during testing, maintaining safe distances and lane positioning without being intrusive. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.