2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which began with the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. The Defender name was first used in 1990, and the vehicle maintained its distinctive look and character through minor changes until 2016. The new Defender aimed to echo the vibe of previous generations while modernizing the SUV. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with a diamond-plate pattern. The spare tire was mounted on the side-hinged tailgate, and the SUV had short overhangs that made it look capable of tackling any obstacle.

Inside, the Defender's theme of exposed structure was prominent. The dash appeared to be held between two horizontal beams, and exposed Allen-head bolts secured the door panels. The controls and steering wheel were beefy, and the leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious. The digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean. The interior felt authentic, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed, with real metal and leather surfaces adding to the premium feel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, was a two-row version of the previous year's extended-length Grand Cherokee L. It retained Jeep's design traditions, including the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, while reflecting influences from the 1963 Wagoneer. The new Grand Cherokee was available in various trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve. Prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding the destination charge.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee's interior was similar to the Grand Cherokee L, with higher trims offering premium features like quilted leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The base Laredo trim provided good quality and comfort, while the Summit Reserve trim was convincingly luxurious. However, the gloss black finish on some controls in higher trims suffered from reflections, making them harder to use. Overall, the Grand Cherokee's interior was comfortable and provided a sense of quality, with improved visibility and camera technologies adding to driver confidence.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base powertrain was a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The other option was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing 518 hp was announced for 2022. All Defender models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender had impressive off-road capabilities, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and 35.4 inches of wading depth. On the road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model going from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with a V6 or a V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine produced 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. Three different 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. The Trailhawk trim featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension with 11.3 inches of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee's fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6 and any drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading, with features like Selec-Terrain driving modes, Selec-Speed off-road cruise control, and a forward-facing off-road camera. On pavement, the Grand Cherokee felt nimble and athletic, with excellent ride quality.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform shared with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery, making extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered a jump seat between the front seats for three-across seating and a third-row seat for two in the long-wheelbase 110. The Defender 110 had 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door model had 58.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. The base Laredo trim was comfortable and provided a sense of quality. The Grand Cherokee's redesign improved visibility, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee had 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. It featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 14 speakers. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, with a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered a five-fold improvement in responsiveness and over-the-air software updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, allowing them to assist the driver and access entertainment options.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had an extensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, rear ISOFIX system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, including hundreds of thousands of miles through harsh climates and conditions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed extensively of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package included Intersection Collision Assist, Active Driving Assist, and a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist coming in 2022. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance.