2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee had a familiar design, echoing Jeep's traditional styling cues. It was essentially a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, featuring a forward-leaning grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a lowered beltline. The Grand Cherokee was available in various trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each offering a unique blend of features and capabilities. The interior ranged from the simple yet quality Laredo with cloth seats to the opulent Summit Reserve with premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a high-end McIntosh audio system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had a design reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, giving it a raised hatchback feel. The CX-30's cabin was noted for its comfort and quietness, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, its infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, was criticized for its steep learning curve. The CX-30 was available in several trims, from the base 2.5 S to the top-tier Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 had a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 could tow up to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee featured three different 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim was particularly impressive off-road, with features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain driving modes.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower. The upgraded turbocharged 2.5-liter engine offered 227 horsepower on regular fuel and 250 horsepower on premium fuel. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30's turbocharged engine provided lively acceleration, especially in Sport mode. The CX-30 had a sporty and refined ride, with quick and precise steering. However, its suspension could be rough over potholes and bumpy roads.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for both the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading. The rear seats were tight for adults with long legs, and the cargo space was 37.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded down. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The rear seats provided decent headroom but were tight for longer drives. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a power rear liftgate, adding convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was packed with technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with voice recognition and over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems, was criticized for its poor usability, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was difficult to navigate, even after setting up presets, and could be distracting for new users.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of high-strength steel and aluminum, promising improved crash protection.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, such as forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.