2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to those who valued rugged aesthetics and all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities. With its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ride height, the Crosstrek offered a more SUV-like presence compared to the Impreza. The vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its distinct character. Despite its SUV mimicry, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's interior, which was functional yet plain, with some accents like the simulated carbon-fibre trim appearing less premium. However, the water-repellant upholstery was a practical touch for outdoor enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a fresh take on a classic, drawing inspiration from Jeep's design heritage while offering a modern two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Cherokee's styling paid homage to the 1963 Wagoneer, with its forward-leaning grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with a focus on quality and comfort. The base Laredo trim offered a sense of substance, while higher trims like the Summit Reserve exuded luxury with features such as quilted leather seats and a McIntosh audio system. The Grand Cherokee's design improvements also enhanced visibility, making it a confident choice for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-litre boxer-four engine delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The latter was standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The Crosstrek's AWD system was a standout feature, providing better handling and stability, especially with the X-Mode for navigating loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek's handling was reminiscent of the Impreza, with predictable cornering and a comfortable ride. However, the higher centre of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll, and the CVT's droning was evident during acceleration.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine producing 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 kilograms with the V6 to 3,265 kilograms with the V8. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, excelled in off-road conditions with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. On-road, the Grand Cherokee felt nimble and athletic, with excellent ride quality, although the Quadra-Lift system could dull the driving experience slightly.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to rivals. With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,565 litres with them folded, the Crosstrek lagged behind some competitors. The interior featured practical storage solutions, such as a cubby hole with USB ports, but lacked rear-seat USB access. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good outward visibility, though not as commanding as traditional SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee prioritized driver and passenger comfort, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims added features like ventilated seats and front seat massagers. Visibility improvements were evident, especially during off-roading, and the panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel. Rear-seat legroom was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee offered ample cargo space, with 1,067 litres behind the rear seats and 2,004 litres with them folded. The Grand Cherokee L provided even more space for those needing additional room.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch version on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and navigation was available on the Limited trim. The system was user-friendly, with large analog controls for essential functions. Subaru's unique secondary display provided additional information, though it seemed somewhat redundant.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It offered a responsive interface with over-the-air updates, and most trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch version available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration. The Grand Cherokee also boasted a head-up display, Night Vision system, and a camera-based rearview mirror. The optional front passenger interactive display added a new dimension to in-car entertainment, though it came at a premium.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist technology was standard on CVT-equipped models, offering features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, the system's cameras could be obstructed by wipers or direct sunlight, limiting functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring and full-speed forward collision warning. The new Active Driving Assist system provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. A hands-free version was expected to debut in 2022, further enhancing the Grand Cherokee's safety credentials.