2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a blend of sporty aesthetics and practicality. The LT trim featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while higher trims came with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The RS trim boasted a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better traction. The Blazer's design, inspired by the Camaro, was visually appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro's design with its infotainment and climate control systems, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative air vents. Despite the abundance of hard plastic, the interior's red accents in the RS trim added a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as an all-new model in 2021, was 29 centimetres longer than the standard Grand Cherokee, accommodating third-row seating. Its design was elegant and unmistakably Jeep, with a modernized grille and lighting. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials like real wood and Palermo leather. The Grand Cherokee L's spacious cabin offered comfort for all passengers, even in the third row. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, though some graphics were hard to read. The vehicle's air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L combined style and functionality, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, also mated to a nine-speed automatic. The RS trim's dual-clutch AWD system enhanced traction. The Blazer RS felt sporty in urban and highway settings, with decent grip and capable brakes. However, its performance on winding roads was less impressive, with a bouncy suspension and slow downshifts. The steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 L/100 km combined, but the test vehicle averaged 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided robust performance. The V6's fuel efficiency was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered adjustable ride heights and improved handling. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its driving modes and air springs, though all-terrain tires were recommended for rough trails.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior. The RS trim's black leather upholstery with red accents added a sporty touch. The steering wheel was adjustable and heated, and the front seats featured power adjustments, heating, and optional ventilation. The rear seats were spacious and could slide to adjust cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on higher trims, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a straightforward Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and audio controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The cabin was spacious, with ample room in all three rows. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench available. The panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced comfort on long trips. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L provided a luxurious and functional interior.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a range of technology options. The RS trim's interior included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with effective air conditioning. The rear seats offered ample space and could slide for added flexibility. Storage options were generous, with a large glove compartment and centre armrest bin. The power rear liftgate, available on higher trims, provided access to a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology features, especially in upper trims. These included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. A rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology were also standard. Available safety upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Blazer's safety features were effective and user-friendly, though its headlights did not receive high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The vehicle's safety equipment was comprehensive, though official safety ratings were not available.