2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, presented a traditional SUV aesthetic characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. It distinguished itself from the Wagoneer with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling in the slots. The Grand Wagoneer also featured 20-inch wheels as standard, with 22-inch wheels available on higher trims, and an acrylic glass covering on the wheel centre caps to protect the “Wagoneer” logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the Wagoneer, allowed for independent suspension and incorporated lightweight materials like an aluminum hood and doors.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared several styling elements with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel, but offered more luxurious materials and features. It boasted 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, lumbar support, and four-way power headrests, along with standard heated first- and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with higher-grade Palermo leather available, complemented by aluminum and American Walnut wood trim. The interior also featured seat controls placed high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes, and the “Grand Wagoneer” name was prominently displayed on the dashboard.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while compact, was praised for its appealing styling, with well-proportioned character lines and small details that enhanced its visual appeal. It offered a choice of four trim levels in Canada: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with pricing ranging from $25,998 to $30,298, plus a $1,900 destination charge from its South Korean factory. The Trailblazer was unique in offering all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard on all but the LT trim, which featured front-wheel drive (FWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The RS trim, tested at a higher price point, was deemed less cost-effective compared to the LT trim with selected upgrades.

Despite its higher price, the Trailblazer's cabin was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it maintained a sense of style. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and all-season tires, contributing to its nimble and fun driving experience. However, the interior was noted for being loud on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road capabilities were limited, even with the Activ trim's off-road suspension and sport-terrain tires. The Trailblazer's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, compared to the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. The Grand Wagoneer featured standard four-wheel drive (4WD) with the Quadra-Drive II system, including a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, along with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system offering five drive modes. The standard Quadra-Lift air suspension system allowed for adjustable ride height, providing up to 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance and the ability to ford up to 60 centimetres of water. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer utilized a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, with the 1.3-litre turbo engine being the default in Canada, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The Trailblazer offered a CVT with FWD and a nine-speed automatic transmission with AWD, the latter providing a more satisfying driving experience. The AWD model also featured a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved handling. The RS trim, with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires, offered a zippy and nimble driving experience, particularly in urban settings. However, the Trailblazer's suspension struggled with speed bumps, and its off-road capabilities were limited. Fuel efficiency was below expectations, with the test vehicle averaging 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, compared to the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80, though front-row space was more limited. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres available with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. However, with all rear seats folded, its 2,667 litres of cargo space was less than its rivals. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its compact size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat provided ample legroom but was less comfortable due to its flat design, intended to create a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer's cargo space was notable, with 716 litres available in the trunk and 1,540 litres with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the vehicle to carry items up to 2.5 metres long. The Trailblazer's high seating position made entry and exit easy, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer also included a second screen below the main touchscreen for functions like seat massagers. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, was standard, though the screen response was occasionally slow.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, featuring Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Chevrolet Connected Services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, were available. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics and a smartphone-style interface. Physical controls below the display included a Home button, a Back button, and a volume knob. The RS trim featured an optional 7-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. Additional technologies included remote engine starting from the LT trim and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, providing forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning with lane-change assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, and its advanced driver assistance systems were praised for their accuracy and smooth operation.