2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a fourth-generation model, retained its timeless style and rugged utility, combined with upscale sophistication. Its design, featuring big wheels pushed to the corners under flared fenders, contributed significantly to its continued success. The Grand Cherokee defied easy categorization, fitting into mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV segments. The lineup included affordable trims like Laredo and Limited, upscale versions like Overland and Summit, and performance models like SRT and Trackhawk. For 2021, minor updates were made to the Laredo and Limited trims, and new versions like the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition were introduced. Pricing ranged from about $35,000 to nearly $90,000.

The test vehicle, a Summit trim, came equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, four-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, the Platinum Series Group, and the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, totaling $68,185. The Platinum Series Group enhanced the Summit's premium look with body-color mirror caps, door handles, side sills, and lower bumpers, replacing the standard sparkly bits with a platinum chrome finish. Inside, the Summit's interior featured premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede, with a striking Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with old-school switchgear and non-flush panel fits indicating a need for a redesign.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, an all-new model, continued Jeep's design traditions while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's extended-length Grand Cherokee L. The new Grand Cherokee launched with a powertrain and trim-level lineup similar to its larger sibling, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. Prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The new Grand Cherokee's styling drew influence from the 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and angled rear roof pillars. A black roof option and a limited selection of paint colors were available at launch.

Inside, the 2022 Grand Cherokee mirrored the '21 Grand Cherokee L, with a basic but high-quality interior in the Laredo trim and a luxurious Summit Reserve trim featuring premium quilted leather, heated and ventilated front seats with massage, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The gloss black finish on higher trim levels' controls suffered from reflections, while lower trims used a more functional matte-black finish. Overall, the 2022 Grand Cherokee offered a range of options to meet various style, comfort, and purpose requirements.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, available with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though the EPA estimated 17 mpg in combined driving. The Quadra-Trac II system included a two-speed transfer case, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management with various settings. The Grand Cherokee Summit also came with a Quadra-Lift air suspension, offering 4.1 inches of variability for improved efficiency and off-road capability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or V8 engine. A plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Grand Cherokee 4xe, was introduced later in the model year. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine, paired with 4WD, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. Three different 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, a Quadra-Lift air suspension, and improved off-road angles.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee's EPA fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6 and any drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, included Selec-Terrain driving modes, Selec-Speed off-road cruise control, and a forward-facing off-road camera. The V6 engine was preferred for its efficiency and good acceleration, while the V8 offered a thrilling sound and performance. The new Grand Cherokee felt more nimble and athletic than the larger Grand Cherokee L, with excellent ride quality and handling.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather-wrapped interior panels. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with controls embedded in the Uconnect infotainment system. The rear seat provided comfortable seating but somewhat snug legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. The redesign improved visibility, especially when off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room remained tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, with a maximum of 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a nearly flawless user experience, fast response to inputs, and pleasing touchscreen graphics. Highlights included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. The system also included SiriusXM services, voice recognition technology, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Summit trim. The Grand Cherokee offered essential technology features but was considered "tech lite" compared to the upcoming 2022 model.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness, over-the-air software updates, and a configurable Home display. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and voice recognition. The larger 10.1-inch touchscreen was available in higher trims, along with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10-inch head-up display. The optional front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment options.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 4WD models, but a four-star rating for 2WD models due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Grand Cherokee "Marginal" for driver-side small-overlap frontal-impact collisions and "Poor" for front passenger-side collisions. The Grand Cherokee Summit came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of ADAS and a safety cage composed extensively of aluminum and high-strength steel. New features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, providing Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022, allowing drivers to let go of the steering wheel on approved roads.