Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee had a familiar design, echoing Jeep's traditional styling cues while being a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. Jeep launched the three-row Grand Cherokee L first, followed by the shorter, sportier two-row Grand Cherokee. Available in various trims like Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of options from simplicity to luxury. Prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge.

The Grand Cherokee's design drew inspiration from the 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the 2022 model mirrored the '21 Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo offering good quality despite its simplicity. Higher trims like the Summit Reserve boasted luxurious features such as premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a high-end audio system. However, the gloss black finish on some controls in higher trims could be reflective and harder to use.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, offering a tough yet upscale appearance with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models had unique styling, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS sporting a boy-racer aesthetic. Both models offered contrasting roofs in various colors, adding a distinctive touch. The Trailblazer's interior featured a mix of materials and colors, with the Activ model including leatherette upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Despite its small size, the Trailblazer provided decent utility, matching rivals like the Kia Seltos in headroom and offering more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. Cargo space was respectable, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds, and the rear seats' flat cushions made long trips less comfortable.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering different levels of off-road capability.

The Trailhawk trim featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, a Quadra-Lift air suspension, and improved off-road angles. The Trailhawk's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Selec-Terrain driving modes and Selec-Speed off-road cruise control. The V6 engine was preferred for its balance of efficiency and power, while the V8 offered a thrilling sound but at a higher cost in terms of price and fuel consumption.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It came with a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Trailblazer Activ model, with its AWD and 1.3-liter engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The nine-speed automatic transmission, however, lacked refinement. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, worked well on pavement but caused some uncomfortable bouncing over road imperfections. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitor systems that did this automatically. The Trailblazer also offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though the differences between them were minimal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It matched rivals in headroom and provided more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. Cargo space was 25.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. The interior featured smart storage solutions, including a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray. A small carve-out above the dashboard was of uncertain function.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a comprehensive head-up display, a Night Vision system, a camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard in every Grand Cherokee, provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and voice recognition. The larger 10.1-inch touchscreen was available in most trims, and the optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger added a unique entertainment option.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate, they might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers. The 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the dashboard, and the combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges conveyed information effectively.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed extensively of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022, allowing drivers to let go of the steering wheel on approved roads.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.