2021 Jeep Renegade vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, was a compact SUV that drew inspiration from the iconic Wrangler, featuring a boxy profile, circular headlights, and a seven-slat grille. It shared its platform with the Jeep Compass but maintained a distinct design identity. The 2019 refresh carried over into 2021, with some previously optional features becoming standard. Inside, the Renegade offered a modern, functional cabin with an upright center stack reminiscent of the Wrangler. It came in various trims, including Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland, 80th Anniversary, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk, each offering unique features and equipment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, introduced to accommodate a third row of seats. It was 11.4 inches longer, with a five-inch longer wheelbase, providing more legroom and wider rear doors. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced technology, making it feel like a premium vehicle. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of trims, from the base Laredo to the high-end Summit Reserve, each with its own set of features.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came with two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). While neither engine was particularly spirited, the turbocharged option offered more torque and refinement. The Renegade's ride quality was solid, with good cornering stability and maneuverability, making it a great city car. The Trailhawk trim, with its off-road capabilities, was the only one to earn the "Trail Rated" badge.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4WD. The V6 engine struggled with the vehicle's weight, while the V8 provided better performance. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 4xe plug-in hybrid option, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a battery pack and electric motors, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with them in use. Its tall, boxy design provided ample headroom in both rows, with good legroom in the front seats. The Renegade featured various storage solutions, including small cubbies and trays, and the front passenger seat could fold forward for additional space.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch screen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the spacious feel, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on mid-tier and higher trims. Both screens featured the Uconnect infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Kenwood premium audio system was available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.

For 2021, the Jeep Renegade made several safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. However, the Trailhawk trim did not include emergency braking. The Renegade received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came with standard driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.