2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face, though its appealing styling certainly added to its charm. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and small details, with options for a black, white, or red-painted roof enhancing its visual appeal. In Canada, the Trailblazer was available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $25,998 to $30,298. The RS trim, which we tested, had a base MSRP of $30,298, but options pushed the price to $37,653, including a $1,900 destination charge. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value proposition.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, was a familiar sight, echoing Jeep's design traditions while offering a fresh take as a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. Available in trims like Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee's prices ranged from $51,545 to $78,040, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. Its design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a luxurious experience, especially in the Summit Reserve trim, with premium leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the gloss black finish on some controls could be reflective and challenging to use.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. This engine made the Trailblazer feel lively, especially with the AWD option, which included a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, contributing to its nimble handling. However, the Trailblazer was noisy on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km for AWD models.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 357 horsepower. The V6 provided a tow rating of 2,812 kg, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kg. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's 8-speed automatic transmission was paired with a dial-style shifter, which could be tricky to use. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 11.3 L/100 km with the V6 to 14.1 L/100 km with the V8. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its compact size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four passengers comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat, provided ample legroom and folded down to create a flat load floor. The Trailblazer's cargo space was generous, with 716 litres behind the rear seats and 1,540 litres with the seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items up to 2.5 metres.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for both driver and front passenger, with heated seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims added features like ventilated front seats and massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence, especially off-road. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. Cargo capacity was 1,067 litres behind the rear seats and 2,004 litres with them folded, making it accommodating for luggage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, with access to Spotify, SiriusXM, and an optional Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional tech included a keyless entry keypad and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard across all trims, featured an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was responsive and supported over-the-air updates. A standout feature was the optional front passenger interactive display, providing entertainment and assistance to the driver.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems and a safety cage composed of high-strength steel. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of this system was expected in 2022, allowing for more autonomous driving on approved roads.