2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee carried forward the brand's iconic design elements. The new Grand Cherokee was essentially a two-row version of the 2021 extended-length Grand Cherokee L, maintaining much of the same powertrain and trim-level lineup. Available trims for the 2022 model included Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $37,390 to $63,365, exclusive of the $1,795 destination charge. The aesthetic inspiration was partly drawn from the 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Limited initial paint color options were to expand as more colors became available. The interior of the 2022 Grand Cherokee mirrored the ‘21 Grand Cherokee L. Entry-level Laredo trims offered basic but good-quality cloth seats, while the top-tier Summit Reserve trim boasted premium features like quilted leather, heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, a McIntosh audio system, and a large panoramic sunroof. Gloss black finishes on higher trims, though stylish, tended to suffer from reflections, while lower trims featured matte-black finishes that were more functional.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 appeared largely unchanged stylistically but introduced new LED headlights and taillights that aimed to enhance illumination. The model also featured new bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and updated alloy wheel designs. The top-tier Signature trim incorporated body-color lower exterior trim to underscore Mazda’s premium aspirations. Mazda retained the interior design, notably in the Signature trim, which featured Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The seats were new for 2022, promising improved comfort. Mazda revised its trim levels, offering 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo versions, with the latter equipped with a turbocharged engine. Trims ranged from the base 2.5 S at $25,900 to the top Signature trim at $38,650, excluding the $1,225 destination charge.

Jeep's 2022 Grand Cherokee provided a diverse range of powertrains, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options, along with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity for the V6 stood at 6,200 pounds. A 5.7-liter V8 was available in higher trims, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. Fuel economy varied from 17 mpg in combined driving with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. The Trailhawk trim was notable for its off-road prowess, featuring Quadra-Drive II, electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and 11.3 inches of ground clearance. Three different 4WD systems - Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II - catered to different levels of off-roading needs. The Grand Cherokee's eight-speed automatic transmission, though efficient, had a somewhat fiddly dial-style shifter.

Mazda’s 2022 CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for better responsiveness. Standard AWD was a new addition, with fuel economy rated at 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo version, running on premium gas, provided 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas, with a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. In Southern California driving tests, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo averaged 21.1 mpg. The Turbo trims, along with the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus, featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The 2022 CX-5 saw improvements in structural rigidity and suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter, smoother, and more sporty ride with increased grip and reduced body roll.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable interior for both the driver and passengers, with options for heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and massaging front seats available in higher trims. Even the base Laredo trim, with its cloth upholstery, felt of good quality. Visibility was improved in the new model, especially useful in off-road situations. However, rear-seat space remained limited for adults with long legs. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

For the 2022 Mazda CX-5, the new seats addressed previous complaints, offering a sportier driving position and improved comfort, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat featured from the 2.5 S Select trim upward. The test vehicle included leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat space was snug, though outboard cushions were heated, and air conditioning vents were available to enhance comfort. Cargo space in the CX-5 was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet when the back seat was folded, making it less spacious compared to the Grand Cherokee.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a technology powerhouse, offering features like a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and five different interior touchscreens. The next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard across all trims, offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available in higher trims. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and more. Upgrades included a McIntosh high-end audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV integration. A notable feature was the front passenger interactive display, offering entertainment options and driving assistance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch non-touch display, which required use of center console and steering wheel controls. While familiarization was necessary, the system included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, and Mazda Connected Services with a generous three-year trial. The infotainment system lacked natural voice recognition, necessitating smartphone integration for more intuitive commands. Starting from the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose sound system was standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) package, extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel, and claimed improved safety performance over previous models. The ADAS package included features such as Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. An upcoming version promised hands-free driving on approved roads. Comprehensive safety features aimed to enhance driver confidence and vehicle control.

Mazda’s 2022 CX-5 also boasted a robust i-Activsense package, offering adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims like the 2.5 S Premium included adaptive headlights, while the 2.5 Turbo Signature added a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, driver monitoring, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, underscoring its strong safety credentials.