2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights across all trims, gave it a modern touch. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and a new 19-inch wheel design for the Touring trim further enhanced its look. These changes aimed to reduce brightwork and give the Odyssey a more contemporary feel. The interior improvements, such as perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and new ambient lighting, elevated the minivan's luxury appeal, making it a more attractive option for families seeking a premium experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while new, retained a sense of familiarity due to its adherence to Jeep's design traditions. It was essentially a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a sportier and more compact option. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with its forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. The interior mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with a focus on quality and comfort, even in the base Laredo trim. The Summit Reserve trim, with its luxurious features like quilted leather seats and a high-end audio system, provided a plush experience. However, the gloss black finish on some controls in higher trims was noted for causing reflections, making them harder to use.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes such as Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 357 horsepower. The V6 provided a tow rating of 2,812 kilograms, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kilograms. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's fuel consumption ranged from 11.3 to 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. The V6 was preferred for its efficiency and balanced performance, while the V8 offered a more thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with heated front seats and mirrors standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided flexibility, allowing for various seating configurations. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee focused on comfort and visibility, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims added features like ventilated seats and massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. Cargo space was 1,067 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim included an 11-speaker audio system and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, with features like a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available on most trims. The optional front passenger interactive display provided entertainment and assistance for the driver. The McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV integration added to the tech appeal.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing as standard, offering advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a four-star score for rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be uneven, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust ADAS package, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Grand Cherokee's structure used aluminum and high-strength steel, improving crash protection. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.