2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee retained the essence of Jeep's classic design ethos while introducing modern touches. Its appearance echoed the larger Grand Cherokee L introduced a year earlier, maintaining a traditional Jeep aesthetic. Available in various trims including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, it covered a broad range of styles and budgets.

The Grand Cherokee combined historical elements like the 1963 Wagoneer's design influence with contemporary features. It boasted a signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Jeep also offered options like a black roof and a selection of paint colors, with promises of more colors to come.

Inside, the interior ranged from the basic but quality Laredo with cloth seats to the opulent Summit Reserve adorned with quilted leather, heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, and a panoramic sunroof. The Summit Reserve's high-end McIntosh audio system and thoughtful interior design made it convincingly luxurious. Overall, the 2022 Grand Cherokee was versatile in meeting various buyer needs.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality and functionality. Despite its unassuming exterior, the Forester excelled in utility and ease of use. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, it was similarly adaptable to different consumer preferences and needs.

During our test drive in Bend, Oregon, the Wilderness model stood out with its higher ground clearance of 9.2 inches, protective cladding, and matte-black hood decal. While it might not have been the most visually appealing, it wore its rugged look with confidence.

Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form. Subdued copper-colored accents and hard plastic surfaces provided durability, though they might appear somewhat dated. The StarTex simulated leather interior was functional and water-repellent, making it durable for outdoor activities. The infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring an 8-inch Starlink display in higher trims and an intuitive layout.

Both vehicles showcased their respective brands' strengths, with the Grand Cherokee leaning towards luxury and rugged capability, and the Forester focusing on practical, everyday utility.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) with options for a V6 or V8 engine. Later in the year, the plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe was slated to join the lineup.

Most test vehicles had 4WD and the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. This setup had a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine provided 357 horsepower at 5,150 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

Three 4WD systems were offered: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. Quadra-Trac I, available with Laredo, Altitude, and Limited trims, was suitable for light off-roading. Quadra-Trac II, available with Overland trim, offered a two-speed transfer case for more challenging terrains. For serious off-road enthusiasts, the Quadra-Drive II system, standard on Trailhawk and Summit Reserve trims, provided maximum control and capability.

The Trailhawk trim showcased the Grand Cherokee's off-road prowess with features like Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension with 11.3 inches of ground clearance, and 24 inches of water fording capability.

While fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg combined with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6, the actual driving experience revealed outstanding off-road capability and a smooth on-road ride. The V6 was favored for its balance of power and efficiency, whereas the V8 offered a thrilling driving experience at a higher cost.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from previous years, generating 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. While it lacked the thrilling acceleration of a turbocharged engine, it offered reliable power delivery.

Every Forester came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Wilderness trim provided a CVT with a 25% increase in initial torque for better off-the-line performance, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds.

Fuel economy for the Wilderness model was EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined, with real-world testing yielding 25.9 mpg. Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode system enhanced off-road capabilities, while the retuned suspension improved both on- and off-road handling. The 9.2-inch ground clearance, standard all-terrain tires, and aluminum front skid plate enhanced its off-road credentials.

On both paved roads and rugged trails, the Forester demonstrated stability and comfort. Its long-travel suspension absorbed potholes and rough terrain effortlessly, maintaining road feel and control.

Overall, the Forester prioritized practicality, reliability, and off-road capability, making it a suitable choice for adventurous drivers who value utility over speed.

Every 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee model was designed for comfort and convenience. Higher trims included features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, and premium materials. Even the base Laredo trim offered substantial comfort with a quality feel.

One of the primary design goals was to enhance visibility, which was particularly beneficial in off-road scenarios. Features like the panoramic sunroof provided an airy cabin atmosphere. However, rear-seat room was somewhat limited for taller passengers, and the plastic front seatback trim could be uncomfortable for knees and shins.

Cargo capacity behind the rear seats was 37.7 cubic feet, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Comparatively, the Grand Cherokee L offered more cargo space due to its more vertical liftgate design, making it a better choice for those requiring extra room.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality and practical design. Easy entry and exit were facilitated by tall seating hip points. The StarTex leather-like upholstery in the Wilderness trim was water-resistant and easy to clean. However, the lack of a ventilation system and the material’s poor breathability were drawbacks.

Roof rails with a dynamic load capacity of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds allowed for more adventurous uses, such as setting up a roof tent. Comfort levels in both front and rear seats remained high, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports enhancing passenger comfort.

Storage was ample, though Subaru could have added more small-item storage options. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. With the 60/40-split rear seat folded down, space increased to 74.2 cubic feet, making it one of the roomiest in its class.

The Forester's cargo area was intelligently designed with practical features like new ceiling cargo hooks and a full-size spare tire for the Wilderness trim, adding to its already impressive functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was packed with technology. Its Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, boasted significant improvements in responsiveness. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, voice recognition, and Bluetooth for two devices simultaneously.

Higher trims offered a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration was a notable highlight.

Thieves' larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, paired with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and an available 10-inch head-up display, created a high-tech driving environment. A standout feature was the optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, allowing them to assist the driver or enjoy their own entertainment.

Standard on the base trim of the 2022 Subaru Forester was a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a forward-view camera.

The Harman Kardon system in the test vehicle provided clear and rich sound. However, the navigation system could have benefitted from a breadcrumb feature for off-road navigation. The voice recognition system's performance was hit-or-miss.

A notable feature was the PIN Code Access, allowing users to leave the key fob in the car during activities and re-enter using a PIN code, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a robust safety structure composed of high-strength steel and aluminum. It included features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Intersection Collision Assist.

Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, with a hands-free version set to arrive later in 2022. These technologies aimed to enhance driver confidence and safety across various driving conditions.

Equipped with Subaru’s next-generation EyeSight 4.0 system, the 2022 Forester featured an improved field of vision and smoother operation. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. New Automatic Emergency Steering added stability during avoidance maneuvers at speeds under 50 mph.

Standard safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim came with DriverFocus, a facial recognition system with gesture control for climate adjustments.

The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to retain its previous "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).