2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that gave it a balanced and artistic look. This design contributed significantly to its success, as it defied easy categorization, fitting into mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV categories. The lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. The Grand Cherokee Summit, with its plush interior and premium materials, offered a luxurious feel, though its aging interior design hinted at the need for a redesign.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was all about practicality and customization. Buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model, with various engine options including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. The High Tide special edition, based on the Sport S trim, featured a raised suspension, LED lighting, and a body-color hardtop. The Wrangler's interior was basic, focusing on durability and functionality, with a driving experience that was unique and immersive, appealing to those seeking adventure and freedom.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain traction management made it capable off-road, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes enhanced its on-road performance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was ideal for slippery conditions. Despite an EPA rating of 21 mpg, the Wrangler averaged 16.8 mpg during testing. Known for its unique driving experience, the Wrangler was loud, with vague steering and a rough ride, but it offered an immersive and adventurous experience. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were unmatched, providing a sense of freedom and exploration.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and leather-wrapped panels, thanks to the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though interior storage was limited.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, and the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. The Wrangler's storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch spare tire, required careful handling, and the cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a nearly flawless user experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. The Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," focusing on essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium sound system, but the basic setup sufficed for most needs. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control, with the Cold Weather Group adding heated seats and a steering wheel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but lower ratings from the IIHS for small-overlap frontal impacts. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system was also available.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving.