2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, which contributed to a sleeker appearance. The grille was more upright and flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to its predecessor. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, it didn't adopt the rugged styling of some competitors, offering a tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia that made it less car-like than the Ford Escape. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents, and materials were decent for the price. The RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, but the interior was too subdued for some tastes.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length to accommodate a third row, presented an elegant and recognizable Jeep design. The seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and modernized lighting contributed to its impressive appearance across all trim levels. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials like real wood and quilted Nappa leather, making it feel like a premium vehicle. The spacious cabin offered comfort for all passengers, even in the third row, and the panoramic roof and ample USB ports enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was quite loud.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. While the Equinox had more torque than most rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The engine provided good torque for city driving but felt coarse and unresponsive at higher speeds. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the vehicle wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V6, with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, provided 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, offering a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was stellar, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The vehicle's towing capacity was impressive, with up to 7,200 pounds for 4WD models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was somewhat limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by small rear windows. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 29.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior was spacious, with ample room in all rows, including the third row. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench seat option available. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's airy feel, though the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high. The Grand Cherokee L offered a variety of seating configurations and plenty of storage space, making it a versatile family vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The addition of wireless smartphone connectivity was a significant advantage, though the center-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of high-tech features, especially on upper trims. These included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto allowed for seamless connectivity. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it was rated "Marginal" in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and Chevy’s Teen Driver system, with additional features available as options.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. Additional safety features were available on higher trims, enhancing the vehicle's safety profile.