2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic status with seemingly unchanged styling over the years. Key features included the notched grille, inset headlights, and scalloped air extractors behind the front fenders. The circular headlights, seven-slat grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and protruding bumpers and fenders gave the Wrangler a toy-truck-like appearance for adults. Further individuality was offered via different trims and options like painted or exposed fenders, soft tops, or hardtops. However, it always returned to core elements identifying it unmistakably as a Wrangler Unlimited.

Upon getting behind the wheel, it was clear that comfort was not the Wrangler’s selling point. The upright seating position, limited legroom, and manual ripcord seat adjustments added to its rugged charm rather than comfort. Available trims in 2021 included the Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, and several special editions like Willys, 80th Anniversary, Freedom, Islander, and High Altitude. Each trim offered varying degrees of amenities, from near-bare-bones in the Sport to almost luxurious features in the High Altitude.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee drew design inspiration from Jeep's tradition but had evolved significantly. Its styling echoed the aesthetics of the 1963 Wagoneer with its forward-leaning grille, lowered and level beltline, and angled rear pillars. At launch, it was available in numerous trims: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee's interiors ranged from basic yet high-quality in the Laredo to lavish in the Summit Reserve, featuring quilted leather seats, front-seat massagers, and a high-end McIntosh sound system. Visibility improvements and an optional panoramic sunroof added to the appeal. However, rear-seat legroom remained tight for tall passengers, making the Grand Cherokee L a better option for those prioritizing rear passenger comfort.

In 2021, the Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and Hemi V8 options. The standard 3.6-liter V6 made 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other engines options included a mild-hybrid eTorque V6 and a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 produced 260 hp and a hefty 442 lb-ft of torque. Power was routed through three 4WD systems: Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac.

Jeep introduced the Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid variant producing 275 hp and offering up to 22 miles of electric range. The Rubicon 392 was the highlight with a 6.4-liter V8 engine, cranking out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it a formidable off-road supercar. The Wrangler 392 also featured unique elements like beefed-up frame-rails, Fox shock absorbers, dual-mode performance exhaust, and a raised hood with "392" badging.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee offered RWD or 4WD with a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The V6 produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, boasting a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs regardless of drivetrain. The V8 generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, lifting the towing capacity to 7,200 lbs.

Three 4WD systems catered to varying off-road needs: Quadra-Trac I for slip conditions, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case for challenging terrain, and Quadra-Drive II for serious off-roading. The Trailhawk trim embodied off-road capability with standard Quadra-Drive II, Quadra-Lift air suspension, electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, and a sway-bar disconnect feature.

Fuel economy in the Grand Cherokee ranged from 17 mpg to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The V6 was preferred for its balance of performance and efficiency, though the V8 offered a more thrilling experience at the expense of higher fuel consumption.

Jeep offered multiple top options for the 2021 Wrangler, like the zipperless Sunrider soft top and a premium black cloth or tan soft top. The Freedom top, a three-piece hardtop with removable panels, was another option. Our test Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, a body-color hardtop with a retractable canvas roof. The Wrangler cabin prioritized functionality with minimal storage solutions but included drain plugs for easy cleaning. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with seats folded, though the design made it tricky to load larger items.

In the 2022 Grand Cherokee, comfort was apparent across all trims, with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front-seat massagers available in higher trims. Visibility improvements, especially useful while off-roading, were notable. Although rear-seat legroom was tight for taller passengers, the Grand Cherokee L remedied this with sliding seats providing extra space.

Cargo capacity in the two-row Grand Cherokee stood at 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with them folded, smaller than the three-row Grand Cherokee L but still substantial.

The 2021 Wrangler's base Sport trim came with a basic 5-inch screen, but higher trims offered 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect displays. These provided crisp graphics and intuitive user interfaces, complemented by steering wheel radio toggles. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera, adding to its tech appeal.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee was teeming with technology. It featured a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The McIntosh high-end audio system, rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV, and next-gen Uconnect 5 infotainment system were standout features. Available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, Uconnect 5 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and supported voice commands. A front passenger interactive display provided additional convenience, especially in higher trims.

The 2021 Wrangler’s safety offerings were relatively basic, with modern driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring available as options. A live tire-pressure monitoring system was useful for off-roading, and a backup camera with dynamic guidelines was standard.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee excelled in safety with a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It featured intersection collision assist, active driving assist, and a hands-free future-ready version of the system. The underlying structure used extensive aluminum and high-strength steel, enhancing safety. However, crash-test results for the new generation were yet to be seen.