2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a familiar sight, echoing Jeep's design traditions while offering a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It launched with a variety of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise of capability or comfort. The styling paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, offering a range of interiors from basic cloth to luxurious leather, with some controls suffering from reflective finishes.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its functional design, prioritizing simplicity over style. Available in trims from Base to Touring, it offered practical features like robust roof rails and a high static-weight rating for rooftop tents. The Touring trim stood out with Saddle Brown leather and metallic accents, though hard plastics were prevalent. The Forester's interior was busy but functional, with traditional buttons and knobs for easy use. Despite its back-to-basics approach, the Forester was appreciated for its practicality and ease of use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive options. The V6 produced 293 horsepower, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower, enhancing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available, with the Quadra-Drive II offering serious off-road capabilities. The Trailhawk trim excelled off-road with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, with the V6 being the more efficient choice. The Grand Cherokee's ride was nimble and athletic, though the Quadra-Lift suspension dulled its traditional driving character.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower, paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive. The SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode, while X-Mode provided off-road traction management. The Forester Wilderness trim enhanced off-road capabilities, but the Touring trim was tested in challenging weather, proving its reliability. The Forester's driving dynamics were praised for comfort and handling, though the engine was merely adequate. Fuel economy fell short of expectations at 25.9 mpg, and a turbocharged engine was desired for better performance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort across all trims, with higher trims offering luxury features like massaging seats. Visibility was improved, aiding off-road and urban driving. Rear-seat space was tight, and cargo capacity was 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L offered more space for passengers and cargo.

The 2023 Subaru Forester emphasized function, with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats available from the Premium trim. Visibility was excellent, and entry and exit were easy. The Forester's cargo space was 26.9 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with seats folded. Interior storage was plentiful, though some areas were smaller than ideal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with options for a McIntosh audio system and a front passenger interactive display.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was functional. The Base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The user interface was simple, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured advanced driver assistance systems and a robust safety structure. New features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. A hands-free version was anticipated for 2022.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and cameras. Automatic Emergency Steering was added to models with blind-spot monitoring. The Touring trim included a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it showed some weaknesses in new crash tests.