2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer presented itself in various trims, including the 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS. Except for the RS, which had a V6 engine and an advanced twin-clutch AWD system for better traction on low-traction surfaces, the rest came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and optional FWD or AWD. The 2022 model year witnessed minor updates, such as revised bumper and body trim for the Premier versions and redesigned standard wheels. The new Enhanced Convenience Package and a Trailering Package for models with the turbo engine further enhanced the Blazer’s offerings. Two-tone paint options were also introduced for the LT and RS trims.

Pricing for the 2022 Blazer ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. A well-equipped RS model, including AWD, premium paint, the Enhanced Convenience Package, and the Driver Confidence II Package, pushed the price to $49,000.

Aesthetically, the Blazer drew inspiration from the Camaro, with its sporty design elements both inside and out. The 20-inch wheels particularly amplified its appeal. The only peculiar aspect of the Blazer’s styling was the black trim extending from the rear bumper into the liftgate, giving it a somewhat awkward look. Inside, the Camaro’s influence continued with the 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate control systems. Despite the stylish appearance, there was an abundance of hard plastic, especially noticeable on the upper door panel trim of the nearly $50,000 test vehicle. However, the interior’s color scheme, particularly with the Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and matching red accents inside, added a touch of sophistication to the Blazer RS.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned with a nod to Jeep’s traditional design, was introduced first as a three-row Grand Cherokee L in 2021, followed by the two-row version in 2022. Available trims included Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve with prices between $37,390 and $63,365, excluding the $1,795 destination charge.

During a comprehensive test drive in Utah, the Grand Cherokee impressed across its various trims, whether for simplicity, off-roading, or luxury. Design-wise, the Grand Cherokee retained Jeep’s distinctive seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, reminiscent of the classic 1963 Wagoneer. Some models offered a black roof option and promised a wider range of paint colors soon.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee’s interior mirrored the Grand Cherokee L’s. The base Laredo, with its cloth seats, still felt upscale. Upper trims like the Summit Reserve featured luxurious elements such as premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, a high-end McIntosh audio system, and a large panoramic sunroof. However, the gloss black finish on some controls in higher trims sometimes caused reflections, making them harder to use.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was equipped with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, powered either the front wheels or all four wheels, with selectable driving modes including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. The Blazer RS, however, came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine offering 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, linked to a more advanced dual-clutch AWD system. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the turbo-four engine.

Driving the Blazer RS in various environments, it felt sporty and firm, with decent grip from its 20-inch wheels. However, its performance on winding back roads was less satisfying due to sluggish downshifts in Sport mode and heavy steering. Despite its sporty exterior, the Blazer fell short of delivering a truly dynamic driving experience. Its EPA rating was 21 mpg in combined driving, and in real-world testing on a busy pre-holiday route, it achieved 20.5 mpg.

For the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep offered RWD or 4WD with a choice between a V6 or a V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine delivered 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. Higher trims offered a 5.7-liter V8 producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I for light off-roading, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case for more challenging terrain, and Quadra-Drive II, which could direct up to 100% of engine output to a single rear wheel for serious off-roading. Every Grand Cherokee used an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Trailhawk trim showcased Jeep’s off-road capabilities with its standard Quadra-Drive II, electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension for up to 24 inches of water fording capability, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. Even in the tough rocky trails of Utah, the Trailhawk excelled, making it a robust performer for off-road enthusiasts. On the road, the V6 was the preferred choice for its balance of performance and efficiency, although the V8 provided a thrilling roar at the cost of fuel efficiency.

Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17-21 mpg depending on the engine and drivetrain. Real-world results mirrored these estimates closely, varying based on driving conditions and use of off-road features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The RS test vehicle featured sporty black leather upholstery with red accents. Equipped with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, it offered comfort although the bottom cushions lacked adequate thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet further enhanced passenger comfort.

The Blazer’s back seat, wide and flat, provided ample legroom and could slide forward and back to adjust cargo or passenger space. Interior storage was impressive, with sizable glove compartments, center bins, and door panel shelves. Cargo space, however, was limited to 30.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable and quality experience even at the base trim level with cloth upholstery. Higher trims like Summit Reserve offered luxurious features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a McIntosh high-end audio system.

Visibility was a key improvement in the Grand Cherokee, aiding in both off-roading and daily driving. However, rear-seat room was limited for taller adults, and the plastic front seatback trim added to the discomfort. The Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it more accommodating than the Blazer.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer’s infotainment system was user-friendly with an 8-inch touchscreen and simple physical controls. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a connected navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. Additionally, the system supported OnStar services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, although trial periods were brief. The infotainment system, similar to the Camaro’s, was intuitive, dividing stereo volume, and tuning controls from climate settings. The upgraded voice recognition and navigation were efficient and accurate. Other tech features included wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted an extensive array of technologies. Standard Uconnect 5 on most trims promised better responsiveness and over-the-air software updates. Depending on the trim, it came with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the voice recognition worked well most of the time.

Higher trim levels included advanced features such as a head-up display, Night Vision system, multiple interior touchscreens, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. Exclusive options included a front passenger interactive display, which provided entertainment and reduced distraction for the driver. While sophisticated, this setup added substantial cost.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, 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 the Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. Although the headlights didn’t receive high ratings from the IIHS, all other safety technologies performed well, making the driving experience smooth and less stressful.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Jeep utilized aluminum and high-strength steel extensively, improving safety compared to previous generations. New safety features like Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist demonstrated the Grand Cherokee’s technological advancements. Active Driving Assist, offering Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving, proved effective, though it required driver attention. A hands-free version of this system was expected to be available in 2022. Although specific crash-test ratings were not mentioned, the redesigned structure aimed to enhance safety significantly.