2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained its familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet offered a fresher interior compared to its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing its modern appeal. The Onyx Edition XT stood out with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding on its wheel arches and bumpers, emphasizing its lifted wagon design. The addition of adaptive LED headlights as standard and a new brown paint option were among the few changes for 2021.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended body to accommodate a third row, presented an elegant and recognizable Jeep design. The vehicle's exterior featured a modernized seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end trims, such as the Summit and Summit Reserve, added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome for a premium look. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality. Despite its higher price, the interior layout and materials justified the cost, providing a comfortable and visually stimulating environment for passengers.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was hindered by its base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, which produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine struggled to move the vehicle, especially when loaded, resulting in slow and noisy acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further limited the engine's performance. However, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine available in the XT trims offered a significant improvement, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, making the Outback more capable and refined. Despite the turbo engine's slightly lower fuel economy, the Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and proactive all-wheel-drive system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for a vehicle of this size, with engine noise permeating the cabin. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a highlight, offering excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride heights, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The vehicle's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent outward visibility. Storage solutions were plentiful, including large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L provided generous space across all three rows, with the third row accommodating adults comfortably. The interior featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The vehicle offered various seating configurations, including second-row captain's chairs or a 60/40 split bench seat. However, the air vents were found to be insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-equipped, with options like a panoramic roof and ample USB ports.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could limit its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in technology, especially in upper trims, offering features like massage modes, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The optional rear-seat entertainment system and passenger touchscreen added to the vehicle's tech appeal.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from the latter.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by major safety organizations. However, it came equipped with standard safety features like knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control, along with various driver aids.