2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its elevated stance, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which was 0.8 inches higher than other Outback models. This increase, along with aggressive all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers, gave it a rugged appearance closer to a Jeep than a traditional station wagon. Unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its bold look. The new roof rack system, capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, and the exclusive Geyser Blue paint hue further distinguished the Wilderness from its siblings.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness featured dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which, while practical, lacked the comfort of ventilated seats. The cabin was accented with Anodized Copper stitching, Gunmetal Gray trim, and brushed aluminum pedals, creating a robust yet stylish interior. The rear seats and cargo area were designed with waterproof materials, enhancing the vehicle's utility. Priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, the Outback Wilderness offered a blend of ruggedness and practicality, though its appeal was subjective.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for a sportier two-row version, maintained Jeep's traditional design elements while drawing inspiration from the 1963 Wagoneer. The forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars gave it a modern yet classic look. Jeep offered a black roof option and promised more paint colors in the future. The Grand Cherokee's interior varied significantly across trims, from the basic but quality Laredo with cloth seats to the luxurious Summit Reserve with premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a McIntosh audio system.

The Grand Cherokee's redesign aimed to improve visibility, which was particularly beneficial for off-roading. The cabin felt airy, especially with the available panoramic sunroof. However, rear-seat room was tight for adults, and the plastic front seatback trim could be uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seat folded, making it accommodating despite its smaller size compared to the Grand Cherokee L.

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, shared with the Outback XT models, provided ample power for the 3,896-pound SUV, allowing a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route.

The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters. While the CVT offered smooth operation, it lacked the engaging feel of a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Wilderness trim's standout features included 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch gloss-black wheels with all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. These enhancements made the Wilderness the most capable Outback for off-road adventures, though it sacrificed some on-road handling and grip.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 had a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 could tow up to 7,200 pounds. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. Real-world testing showed similar results, with the V6 achieving up to 21.3 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, included Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension with up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance. The Trailhawk also had Selec-Terrain driving modes and Selec-Speed off-road cruise control. While the Trailhawk excelled off-road, its on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable tire noise and a firmer suspension.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather that prevented moisture absorption. While practical, the lack of ventilated seats made the interior uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, ensuring a comfortable driving position. The rear seats provided ample space for two adults or three children, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area offered 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the seat folded, with waterproof materials enhancing durability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior varied by trim level, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. The base Laredo trim, with cloth upholstery, still provided a sense of quality. The redesign improved visibility, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat room was tight for adults, and the plastic front seatback trim could be uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seat folded, making it practical for most needs.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, dominating the center dashboard. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, most controls required using the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was not intuitive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims, but featured a PIN code entry system for secure access without the key fob.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard across all trims, provided a responsive interface with over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard, with additional options like navigation and HD Radio. The Grand Cherokee also featured a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2021.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive suite of 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 aluminum and high-strength steel, enhancing safety. While crash-test results were pending, the previous generation's performance suggested improvements. The Grand Cherokee's ADAS package included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist, expected in 2022.