2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed the utility of a minivan but preferred the aesthetics of an SUV. It offered a range of trims starting from the base LS at $33,700, with the High Country trim reaching $53,400. The Traverse featured a modest ground clearance of 7.5 inches, making it suitable for light off-road conditions. The 2022 model received a subtle facelift with new lighting elements, grille designs, and wheel options. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its blacked-out accents and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though the use of hard plastics was a downside. The interior layout was intuitive, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended body, offered a third row of seating, making it 11.4 inches longer than the standard model. This additional length provided more legroom and wider rear doors. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while incorporating modern lighting and improved paint finishes. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials like real wood and quilted Nappa leather. The Grand Cherokee L's design was reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a premium feel without sharing parts. The spacious cabin accommodated adults comfortably in all rows, and the optional tan leather added a touch of elegance. However, the air vents were somewhat inadequate, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a single engine option, a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine was generally well-suited to the Traverse's size, though it could be noisy under acceleration. The Traverse achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined, with our test vehicle returning 20.9 mpg. The ride quality was firm yet comfortable, though care was needed over larger road imperfections to avoid scraping the front air dam. On highways, the Traverse was a capable cruiser, albeit with noticeable road and wind noise. In mountainous terrain, it handled well, with limited body roll and predictable behavior, though the all-season tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine choices: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with either RWD or 4WD. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The transmission's early upshifts didn't complement the engine, and Sport mode kept the revs high without settling. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better option, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The V6's fuel economy was decent at 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, offering a composed ride and precise steering. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L could tow up to 7,200 pounds with 4WD, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the RS, Premier, and High Country trims, while lower trims could accommodate eight with a second-row bench. The RS trim featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function in the second row, combined with long rear doors, facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom in the second row, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third row was suitable for adults if the second row was adjusted forward. The Traverse excelled in storage, with hidden compartments and generous cargo space, offering 23 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and audio controls complemented the touchscreen interface. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench seat available as an option. The panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced the travel experience, though the air vents were insufficient, necessitating a loud fan. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-appointed, with thoughtful storage solutions and a spacious cabin.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS and LT Cloth trims, while higher trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology allowed parents to monitor their child's driving habits. The 8-inch system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard from the RS trim, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, reducing frustration when using the infotainment system. Visibility was generally good, with a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera aiding in parking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, especially in the upper trims. These included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, offering a detailed view of upcoming turns. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. New for 2022, optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers enhanced entertainment options. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. An optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims featured adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it was rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. 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, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, enhancing its safety profile.