2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's design included tall fender wells and a tucked-in body to minimize obstructions on trails. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a subtle Ford badge on the tailgate. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior boasted a rugged yet uncluttered design with practical storage solutions and an 8-inch infotainment screen.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, was an elegant extension of the Grand Cherokee line, offering a longer body to accommodate third-row seating. Its design maintained Jeep's signature elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint and panel quality. The interior was luxurious, with high-end materials like Palermo leather and real wood, and featured dual high-resolution screens. The Grand Cherokee L's spacious cabin provided comfort for all passengers, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional bench seat. However, the air vents were noted to be insufficient in directing airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine with 245 hp and 275 lb-ft for the Badlands model. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road with its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance, though the 1.5-litre engine was less refined under pressure.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with two engine choices: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. The V6 was found lacking in power for the vehicle's weight, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering precision, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights. The vehicle's towing capacity was up to 3,265 kg, and it featured various driving modes for different terrains, though it was best suited for on-road comfort.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo space designed to fit two 27.5-inch mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for outdoor activities. The roof could support up to 68 kg, and the vehicle could tow up to 997 kg with the 2.0-litre engine. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and inverter. However, visibility issues were noted for taller drivers, both on and off-road.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The vehicle offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and an optional bench seat. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The infotainment system had some legibility issues, and the air suspension modes were not always clear.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system offered various G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology was available for off-roading. Higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel and a digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera. The Summit Reserve featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereo options.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other features. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but it included standard safety features like knee airbags and trailer sway control, along with various driver aids.