Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim that gave the SUV a sporty appearance. This trim level included black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the blacked-out treatment added a sporty look, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days. The Ascent's interior also featured metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, adding to its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its traditional Jeep design while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's extended-length Grand Cherokee L. The new Grand Cherokee was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The SUV's styling was influenced by the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and angled rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of options from basic cloth seats in the Laredo trim to luxurious quilted leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions in the Summit Reserve trim. The interior quality was high across all trims, with the Summit Reserve standing out for its premium features.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, though testing showed an average of 20.5 mpg. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The SUV felt nimble and maneuverable in urban and suburban settings, though its lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel unstable.

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. The Grand Cherokee featured three different 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim was particularly impressive, with features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, and it felt more nimble and athletic than the larger Grand Cherokee L.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition included features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults, and the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was standard, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display in most trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-inch head-up display, and an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in all evaluations except for rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, the system could be affected by low, direct sunlight and lacked refinement in its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions.

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 Grand Cherokee included Intersection Collision Assist, Active Driving Assist, and a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist coming in 2022. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance, though it could disconnect on tight curves. The new Grand Cherokee's crash-test performance remained to be seen, but its advanced safety features were promising.