2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

When the 2021 Subaru Ascent was introduced, it filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup, which had been missing a three-row SUV. The Ascent's design was a natural extension of Subaru's existing models, resembling a larger version of the Forester and Outback. The interior followed suit, with a dashboard design that mirrored other Subaru vehicles, likely to create a sense of familiarity for Subaru enthusiasts. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering progressively more features, from driver-assistance technologies to luxury amenities like a panoramic sunroof and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It retained Jeep's traditional design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, while also drawing inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer. The Grand Cherokee was available in a wide range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve. Each trim offered a unique blend of features, from off-roading capabilities in the Trailhawk to high-end luxury in the Summit Reserve. The interior was designed to be both functional and luxurious, with options for heated and ventilated seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent was designed for comfort and handled well in various driving conditions, including snow and light off-roading, thanks to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode system. It also had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered more powertrain options, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee could be equipped with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and had a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds with the V8 engine. Three different 4WD systems were available, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, was designed for serious off-roading, featuring Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension with up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. It could seat up to eight passengers, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for children. The Ascent also featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the two-row Grand Cherokee offered less cargo space than the three-row Grand Cherokee L, it was still accommodating. The interior was designed for comfort, with options for heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Rear-seat room was somewhat tight for adults, but the overall quality and comfort of the cabin were high, especially in the upper trims.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system, which was user-friendly with logical menu layouts and large icons. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered additional features like third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Standard features included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. Additional tech options included a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+, thanks to its crash test results and Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Optional features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was built with a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, with only 27% mild-grade steel. It featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was also expected to be available in 2022.