2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained an ageless charm, epitomizing rugged utility meshed with upscale sophistication. Designed with big wheels pushed to its corners and cloaked under purposely flared fenders, the Grand Cherokee emerged as a perfectly balanced emblem of what an SUV should look like outside the Jeep Wrangler subset. This enduring design contributed significantly to the Grand Cherokee's sustained popularity. The flexible nature of the vehicle allowed it to embody various styles—a mainstream SUV, a luxury SUV, and a performance SUV all in one. It offered a wide spectrum of trim levels, from the affordable Laredo and Limited to the opulent Overland and Summit, track-ready SRT and Trackhawk, and the off-roading Trailhawk.

For the 2021 year, modest updates were made to the Laredo and Limited trims, with new value-oriented variants like Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition introduced. Pricing varied broadly from around $35,000 to nearly $90,000, while our test car, laden with Summit trim, a 5.7-liter V8 engine, 4WD, extra-cost paint, and premium packages, amounted to $68,185. Enhancements from the Platinum Series Group subtly refined the vehicle's look with body-color mirror caps, door handles, and platinum chrome finishings. Inside, the Summit trim exuded luxury with premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede headliners. The Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme added a fresh contrast, but despite its timeless exterior, the interior seemed overdue for a redesign with older, non-flush switchgear components signaling its age.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a new era with design cues reflecting modern aesthetics. A new take on the V-motion grille with LED headlights and slim daytime running lights conferred a contemporary front look, while the vehicle's blocky, slated C-pillar was a deliberate nod to earlier Pathfinder models. With 14 available paint combinations and a black roof option, the Pathfinder offered extensive customization. Its beefier side panels and hood aligned with current trends similar to the Kia Telluride's design.

Nissan's updates made the Pathfinder 0.6 inches wider and 0.2 inches taller, with a wider track enhancing its road presence. These alterations aimed to reposition the Pathfinder in consumers' minds as a more robust, capable vehicle. The SUV was offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, all with body-colored handles, chrome badging, and privacy windows. Notably, it came with a standard eight-passenger seating capacity, reduced to seven with optional second-row captain's chairs.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee bestowed a power spectrum starting with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for most needs, driving either the rear or all four wheels via an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission, and permitting a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. For added power, an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was available, producing 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, claiming a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 integrated cylinder deactivation technology for efficiency but struggled with fuel economy, achieving 17 mpg combined as per the EPA. Our mountainous loop test yielded a slightly better 18.2 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Trac II 4WD system equipped it for varied terrains with a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management system offering multiple modes. The Quadra-Lift air suspension provided adjustable ground clearance from 8.6 to 10.8 inches, enhancing off-road capability. However, despite these sophisticated systems ensuring the vehicle’s versatility and responsiveness, the Grand Cherokee V8 felt bouncy on uneven surfaces, although it benefited from a notably tight turning radius and effective braking system.

Conversely, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder maintained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivered 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, consistent with the previous generation. Paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, the switch from an older CVT improved the driving feel considerably. The SUV came in both FWD and AWD configurations, the latter offering a seven-position drive and terrain mode selector, alongside standard hill-start assist, with hill descent control exclusive to the AWD models.

Fuel economy for the Pathfinder varied slightly depending on the drivetrain. FWD versions achieved an estimated 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD models maintained 23 mpg combined but improved slightly in highway mileage. Suspension and platform enhancements provided a stable ride, capable of absorbing road imperfections effectively. Steering was adequate for a family vehicle, with a tight turning radius facilitating ease of parking and steering in diverse environments. The Pathfinder also boasted a 6,000-pound towing capacity and additional stability features for towing.

The interior of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit was characterized by premium materials courtesy of its Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, with heating and ventilation controlled via the Uconnect infotainment system. Rear seats, though comfortable, offered limited legroom for taller adults and optional entertainment systems that could create a claustrophobic feel. However, extensive windows and a panoramic sunroof mitigated this effect, supplemented by heated outboard seats.

Interior storage was adequate but could be compromised by optional entertainment systems’ DVD/Blu-Ray players. Practical elements like robust plastic grocery bag hooks enhanced usability. Cargo space behind the rear seats was 36.3 cubic feet, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with seats folded, sufficient but not best-in-class. The cargo area featured thoughtful touches, like a recessed bin, spare tire storage, and a conveniently placed power liftgate button.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder focused on family-friendly functionality, starting with a quieter cabin thanks to improved insulation and acoustic-laminated glass. Notably, Nissan integrated features like the rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, and versatile seating arrangements, accommodating multiple car seats based on customer feedback. These included best-in-class front-seat legroom and increased hip room for third-row passengers.

The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy access to the third row, with innovative, user-friendly mechanisms. Removable second-row center consoles further enhanced versatility. The Pathfinder offered a generous front console storage space due to its electric shifter. Cargo capacity stood at 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 80.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Due to its flat sides, even large items like plywood sheets could be easily loaded. Additional under-floor cargo space and ample cup and bottle holders rounded out its practical design.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, which, although an outgoing model, still provided impressive functionality. Users appreciated its nearly flawless interface, quick responsiveness, and clear graphics. Key features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. The system allowed voice control for many functions, bolstered by a comprehensive set of subscription services, including a formidable Harman Kardon 19-speaker sound system in the Summit trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder loaded its models with technology designed for practicality without overwhelming the driver. Standard features were extensive, comprising a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. The Pathfinder Platinum offered additional luxury tech like a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display, wireless charging pad, and HomeLink. Its NissanConnect Services provided comprehensive connectivity and safety features.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while boasting a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for 4WD models, revealed vulnerabilities in the IIHS's more stringent small-overlap crash tests, receiving "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for driver and passenger respectively. Its basic headlight performance also flagged. Standard safety features in higher trim levels included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Parking aids and a robust backup camera rounded out its safety offerings.

On the other hand, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional safety features like ten airbags (eleven in Platinum), a rearview camera, surround-view monitor, and a driver alertness monitor demonstrated Nissan's commitment to safety, though crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.