2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, which contributed to a sleeker appearance. The grille was more upright and flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to its predecessor. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, it didn't adopt the rugged styling of some competitors. The interior featured a creative dashboard design with a central touchscreen and large air vents, offering decent materials and fit and finish for its price range. The RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, providing a bit more personality, though the black interior was somewhat subdued.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee retained its traditional Jeep design elements while introducing a new two-row version. It shared a powertrain and trim-level lineup with the larger Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Cherokee's styling drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo with cloth seats to the luxurious Summit Reserve with premium leather and advanced features. The interior design was consistent with the Grand Cherokee L, providing a sense of quality and comfort across all trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the Equinox had more torque than many rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The engine performed well in city driving, offering good torque for stop-and-go situations, but felt coarse and unresponsive at higher speeds. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the Equinox lacked sporty handling and the refinement of some competitors.

In contrast, 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 V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee's V6 engine provided good acceleration and passing power, while the V8 delivered a thrilling performance with a satisfying engine note. The Grand Cherokee featured three different 4WD systems, catering to various off-road capabilities. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, excelled in off-roading with its advanced features and impressive ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, and it felt more nimble and athletic compared to its larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee L.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was somewhat limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by the small rear window. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with the seats folded. The Equinox lacked some features found in competitors, such as a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable interior for the driver and front passenger, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims added features like ventilated front seats and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel. Rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, and the Grand Cherokee L provided more legroom with its sliding seats. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the seats folded, making it accommodating for luggage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose 7-speaker audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant advantage, though the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the passenger to assist the driver and access entertainment options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but received a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA awarded the Equinox a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The safety cage was composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, with only 27% mild-grade steel. The Grand Cherokee featured standard blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist were notable features, with the latter providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to arrive in 2022, allowing for more autonomous driving on approved roads.