2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face, though its appealing styling certainly added to its charm. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and details, with options for a black- or white-painted roof enhancing its allure. Even in the base L trim, the Trailblazer managed to look good, which was quite a feat. The small SUV offered five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195, but options pushed the price to $33,000, which seemed excessive given the hard plastic interior. Despite this, the cabin had a sense of style.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, offered a third row of seats, making it 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee. The wheelbase was also extended by five inches, providing more legroom and wider rear doors. The additional mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep introduced the L first, making it the benchmark for the two-row model. The Grand Cherokee L was elegant and unmistakably a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches. The interior was luxurious, with high-end materials and features that justified its higher price compared to competitors. The Grand Cherokee L's design was completed with new paint colors and impressive trim levels, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. However, the larger 1.3-liter engine was preferred, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, providing a lively driving experience. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with front-wheel drive, while AWD models received a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, making it nimble and fun to drive. Despite its small engine, the Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V6, with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid 4xe, with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, was a promising option. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride quality and handling, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings. The vehicle's chassis provided a composed ride, and its driving modes adjusted various systems for different terrains. The Grand Cherokee L's towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat, provided ample legroom, and the cargo area offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the Trailblazer to carry items up to 8.5 feet long.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches complemented the touchscreen, providing easy access to climate and stereo controls. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate. The infotainment system included an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, with some legibility issues noted.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with options for Chevrolet Connected Services and a WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics and a useful voice recognition system. Our test vehicle included a 7-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a wealth of technology, especially in upper trims. Features included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch screens for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a range of driver aids, enhancing its safety profile.