2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a distinctive design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, black side mirror housings, and matte black body cladding. This combination gave the vehicle a unique, floating appearance, as if it were cresting a hill at speed. The CX-30 stood out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots, offering a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like stance. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3 with quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, providing an upscale vibe. Minor changes included a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror, with upholstery options ranging from leatherette to premium leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the standard two-row Grand Cherokee by 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase also stretched five inches, enhancing second-row legroom and rear door width. 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 boasted high-end materials like real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, making it feel luxurious. The Grand Cherokee L's design was elegant and functional, with ample space and comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo came equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 pound-feet, ensuring strong acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission, i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to a smooth driving experience. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with an average of 24.1 mpg during testing. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and an Off-Road mode, making it suitable for light off-road adventures.

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 engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V6 engine struggled with the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs and producing noticeable engine noise. The V8 provided better performance and a more satisfying sound. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis and optional air suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with five ride height settings for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with an eight-way power-adjustable seat and a driver-focused interior layout. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on higher trims, but ventilated seats were not available. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism created a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seats were cramped for adults. Cargo space was 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded down. The wireless smartphone charger was inconveniently located in the center console storage bin, limiting its usability.

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 touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs or an optional 60/40 split bench seat. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small and struggled to direct sufficient airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's 8.8-inch infotainment display was not a touchscreen, requiring the use of physical controls or voice commands. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but navigating radio stations was cumbersome. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function, with a trial period for the 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Premium trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims featured premium amenities like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. 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, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The CX-30 Turbo came with a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Premium trims added features like an adaptive front lighting system, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. Traffic Jam Assist provided lane-centering assistance at speeds below 40 mph.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor.