2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, with its 2021 redesign, adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. This gave the Suburban a supersized appearance, characterized by a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels. The Suburban offered a variety of grille, fascia, and wheel designs across its six trims, allowing for a degree of customization despite its single body style. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille with Black Ice accents. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin ranging from economically comfortable in the base LS trim to plush in the High Country. The RST trim featured 10-way power seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and an optional Luxury package, though the predominantly black interior felt somewhat dark.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model, followed by a selection of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, added features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The standout feature was the Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Despite its rugged charm, the Wrangler's interior lacked the refinement expected at its price point.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, available on the RST, Z71, and Premier trims, provided noticeable power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,300 pounds. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. Our RST test vehicle, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, excelled in towing a Chevrolet Impala on a trailer, thanks to its hitch guidance and multiple rear camera views.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was included. The Wrangler's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, it offered an immersive experience, especially with the top and doors removed, allowing drivers to connect with their surroundings. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities and adventurous spirit made it appealing to those seeking a rugged driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row providing adequate headroom and legroom. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The optional power-sliding center console added storage flexibility. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and its height could be an issue for some garages. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit difficult, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility varied, with challenges at small intersections and rear visibility hindered by the spare tire. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small trays. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch wheel, required caution when opening. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were standard across the board. The Suburban's audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on the Premier and High Country trims. Our test vehicle featured a nine-speaker Bose system, which was decent but not as impressive as the premium option.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but our test vehicle did not have these upgrades. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added as standard features. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection but only three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Suburban.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's safety ratings were less impressive. The NHTSA gave it a three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the IIHS rated it Marginal in crash tests. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its ratings suggested the need for cautious driving.