2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, featuring a higher stance with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. It sported a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents. The roof rack system was robust, supporting a 700-pound static load, and the exclusive Geyser Blue paint added to its distinctiveness. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with Anodized Copper stitching and accents, and all-weather floor mats. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, positioning it between the Onyx XT and Limited XT trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, stretched by 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard model appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, from the base Laredo to the high-end Summit Reserve, with new exterior paint options like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness featured all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it capable off-road. It also had improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, a dual function X-Mode traction system, and hill descent control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 struggled with the vehicle's weight, while the V8 provided better performance. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, was also available but not tested.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. The rear seats offered generous space and were also heated, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The roof rack supported a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a sleek interface with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control. The voice recognition technology required specific prompts, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. The PIN code entry technology allowed for keyless access, ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features in upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.