2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its timeless design, continued to impress more than a decade after its debut. It balanced rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels, flared fenders, and a premium look enhanced by the Platinum Series Group. The Summit trim's interior boasted premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a luxurious feel. However, the interior showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality over form. The Wilderness trim, with its rugged cladding and matte-black hood decal, aimed for an overlanding look but didn't enhance the SUV's aesthetics. Inside, the Forester focused on practicality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The interior, though somewhat dated, exuded quality construction and clarity of purpose.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, while the Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it versatile in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester achieved 26 mpg in combined driving, though it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road performance, while the long-travel suspension absorbed bumps and maintained good road feel. The Forester excelled on forest roads and off-road courses, proving its capability in challenging conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat comfort was decent, though legroom was somewhat snug. The cargo area provided 36.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the rear-seat entertainment system reduced interior storage space.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its outdoor appeal. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with ample rear-seat space and practical storage solutions. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet, expandable to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. However, the Grand Cherokee was relatively "tech lite" compared to newer models.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim added a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The Forester's PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry, enhancing its practicality for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but performed poorly in IIHS small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Summit trim included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the Grand Cherokee's headlights rated poorly unless upgraded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction.