2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and popular LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, a blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, shiny exterior trim, and polished wheels. The luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille, large 22-inch wheels with a bright finish, and body-colour mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. The SUV's styling retained familiar themes, but the previous model's detailing gave way to more subtle forms, resulting in a somewhat slab-sided appearance. Larger wheels enhanced the SUV's look, with numerous designs available up to 22 inches.

The Tahoe's interior was centred around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The Z71 trim we tested included five option packages, raising the price to $80,293, including destination charges. The interior featured exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces, with leather seats standard from the LT trim. The Premier trim added perforated leather, while the High Country offered textured leather options. The Tahoe's maximum seating capacity was limited to eight passengers due to the absence of a front bench seat. Overall, the Tahoe's quality met expectations for its segment, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler presented a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The turbo-four and V6 engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an optional eight-speed automatic available. The Wrangler featured four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering various top options. Our test vehicle was the High Tide model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and more. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a focus on functionality. The driving experience was unique, with a close driving position and a rough-and-tumble feel. The Wrangler's character and capabilities encouraged exploration, offering a sense of excitement and freedom.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 5.3-litre V8, delivering 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8, producing 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder engine was available for all trims except the Z71, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and tow hooks. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle up to 831 kilograms of payload. The major engineering change for the 2021 model was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality, handling, and interior comfort. The Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission and optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system enhanced performance in slippery conditions. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 14.0 L/100 km over 700 kilometres. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, vague steering, and touchy brakes. Despite these traits, the Wrangler offered an immersive experience, engaging all senses and providing a sense of freedom and adventure. The Wrangler's character and capabilities encouraged exploration, offering a sense of excitement and freedom.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console was a recommended feature, providing a large storage tray and a locking drawer. The second row offered a 3-person bench seat or individual captain’s chairs, with the latter option proving comfortable. The third-row seat was more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,056 litres with the seat folded down, and a maximum volume of 3,480 litres.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and a focus on functionality. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with some areas offering excellent views and others compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once aboard. Storage was limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seat folded down.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new digital platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with fast Bluetooth pairing and effective wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility but lacking a 15-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system, but our test vehicle's setup sufficed. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder system, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims or options added lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear pedestrian detection. Premier and High Country trims offered adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Tahoe's driving-assistance features worked as expected, with a recommended surround-view camera for maneuvering.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.