2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, the Q5 PHEV, sported S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern ambiance, packed with technology yet uncluttered. Controls were smartly grouped by function, and the design unity was pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, were used throughout, with crisp lines where different materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy driver access. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather upholstery, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a new vehicle in its own right, was a two-row version of the previous year's extended-length Grand Cherokee L. It adhered to Jeep design traditions, featuring a seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, with styling influenced by the classic 1963 Wagoneer. The forward-leaning grille and headlights, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars paid homage to the original design. The Grand Cherokee offered a black roof option and a limited selection of paint colours initially, with more promised later.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the '21 Grand Cherokee L, with the Laredo trim offering basic yet quality interiors. The Summit Reserve trim was luxurious, with quilted leather seats, a high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the gloss black finish on some controls in higher trims suffered from reflections, making them harder to use. The Grand Cherokee's interior was designed for comfort and quality, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada, and additional features available in higher trims.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. Handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a 4WD drivetrain with a choice of a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a tow rating of 2,812 kg. The 5.7-litre V8, available in higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,265 kg. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee used an 8-speed automatic transmission with a dial-style shifter. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 14.1 L/100 km with the V8 to 11.3 L/100 km with the V6. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading, with features like Quadra-Drive II, electronic locking rear differential, and Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with a nimble and athletic feel, though the Quadra-Lift system dulled the driving character slightly.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The battery pack was cleverly placed under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out controls, cupholders, and storage spaces.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims offered additional features like heated second-row seats and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. The Grand Cherokee's cabin felt airy with the available panoramic sunroof. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a centre-console touchpad and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The cabin offered customization with LED ambient lighting. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, with features like a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The Grand Cherokee also offered a front passenger interactive display, enhancing entertainment options.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust safety structure with aluminum and high-strength steel. It offered advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.