2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the same design as the previous year, featuring "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. It had sophisticated LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper, but otherwise, it looked similar to the gas-only versions. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid had distinct trim and instrumentation to display battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The steering wheel paddles managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all models came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Touring trim, which was tested, included features like larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging. The test vehicle, priced at $37,920, had a luxurious interior with ivory leather and a two-tone contrast, though the fake wood trim was a downside.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide special edition was based on the four-door Sport S trim and included features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The High Tide stood out with the Xtreme Recon package, which added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The test vehicle had a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD. Priced at $58,845, it included numerous options like the Technology Group, the Convenience Group, and the Cold Weather Group. Despite its high price, the interior remained basic, reflecting the Wrangler's rugged nature.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV—were available. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight from the battery pack and electric motors improved its center of gravity and weight distribution. It maintained the standard CR-V AWD model's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line, handled predictably, and provided a comfortable ride. However, it returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the test vehicle included the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but the test vehicle averaged 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, it provided an immersive and adventurous experience, especially with the top open and doors removed.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in carrying people and cargo. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, with the driver's seat offering 12-way power adjustment. Heated front seats and high-quality leather were standard. The rear seat provided ample space, similar to the Honda Accord, with good leg support and comfort. Interior storage was impressive, though the wireless smartphone charger took up space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The driver's seat had a manual height adjuster, but it required frequent readjustment. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights. The rear seat offered agreeable accommodations for two adults, though entry and exit were difficult. Storage options were limited, with netting on the door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, felt outdated. The seven-inch touchscreen lacked a tuning knob, and the system was slow to start. Voice-recognition technology was limited, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto necessary for natural interaction. The navigation map display was cluttered, and HondaLink connected services were minimal. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and dual 2.5-amp quick-charging ports for the rear seat.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but the test vehicle did not include these. The Wrangler High Tide featured 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings in IIHS testing for small overlap crash protection and side-impact tests. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.