2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 the previous model. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, the Equinox's tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia made it appear less car-like than some competitors. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents at the center, offering decent materials and fit and finish for its price range. The new RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, although the subdued interior was not to everyone's taste.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, retained Jeep's design traditions while offering a sportier look. Available in various trims, the Grand Cherokee featured a forward-leaning grille, headlights, and a lowered beltline reminiscent of the classic 1963 Wagoneer. Inside, the Grand Cherokee's cabin was comfortable and luxurious, especially in higher trims like the Summit Reserve, which boasted premium leather, a high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The redesign improved visibility, and the interior offered a sense of quality even in the base Laredo trim. While rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, the two-row Grand Cherokee provided ample cargo space, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Equinox's torque was beneficial in city driving, but the engine felt coarse and unresponsive at higher speeds, and the transmission shifts were somewhat rough. While not designed for sporty handling, the Equinox provided decent comfort on rough roads but lacked the refinement of some competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds with the V6 to 7,200 pounds with the V8. Three different 4WD systems were available, catering to various off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, excelled in off-road conditions with features like Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, and it felt more nimble and athletic than its larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee L.

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 a small rear window. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable cabin for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, but the two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. However, the center-console slot for phones was too small, and tech-savvy buyers might desire a larger screen or more features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the passenger to assist the driver and access entertainment options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" rating 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 the Equinox a five-star overall safety rating. Standard driver-assist features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The new Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist systems demonstrated the Grand Cherokee's technological advancement. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, and a hands-free version was expected in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's crash-test performance remained to be seen, but the new model was expected to improve upon its predecessor's mediocre results.