2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed an SUV but didn't want the bulk and expense of a larger vehicle. It offered a stylish design with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, was particularly appealing. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though the use of hard plastics was a downside. The interior layout was logical, with user-friendly controls for stereo and climate settings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for the model year, retained classic Jeep design elements while offering a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It came in various trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve. The styling paid homage to the original 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of comforts, from basic cloth seats to premium leather with massage functions. The interior was well-designed, though rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured 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 tow rating of 5,000 pounds and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, though it was prone to scraping on larger road anomalies. On highways, it was a capable cruiser, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The V6 engine provided adequate power, and the Traverse returned an average of 20.9 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered more variety with a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee had a higher tow rating of 6,200 pounds with the V6 and 7,200 pounds with the V8. It featured three different 4WD systems, catering to various off-road needs. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Quadra-Drive II and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee offered a more refined ride and better handling than its larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee L.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain’s chairs in higher trims, though this reduced capacity from eight. It featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function in the second row made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse provided ample cargo space, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. Hidden storage compartments added convenience, though folding the third-row seats required sliding the second-row chairs forward.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort across all trims, with options for heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. While rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, the Grand Cherokee L offered more room and cargo capacity.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It supported Bluetooth for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror improved visibility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option available. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The Grand Cherokee also offered a front passenger interactive display, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests, though it was rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of high-strength materials, though crash-test results were pending. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to arrive later in the year.