2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was a striking presence on the road, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which lent it a traditional SUV aesthetic. Its tall hood, broad shoulders, and upright profile were complemented by trapezoidal wheel arches, giving it a robust and commanding look. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself from its sibling with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass, showcasing 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 design elements with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it elevated the experience with premium materials and features, including 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, and lumbar support, as well as heated first- and second-row seats. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with an option for higher-grade Palermo leather, and the interior was adorned with aluminum and American Walnut wood trim. The seat controls were positioned high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes, and the dashboard prominently displayed the “Grand Wagoneer” name, ensuring passengers never forgot the luxury they were experiencing.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, was all about practicality and ruggedness. It featured a white exterior with dark grey, water-repellant StarTex simulated leather interior, and a base price of $38,995, including destination. The Forester's design was utilitarian, with a suspension lift and higher ride height providing 22.9 centimetres of ground clearance. The Wilderness model sported massive protective cladding and an anti-glare matte-black hood decal, giving it a distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces that emphasized quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

Despite its somewhat dated interior, the Forester excelled in practicality and comfort. The tall seating position made entry and exit easy, and the cabin was designed to withstand the elements, with water-resistant upholstery and all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails could accommodate a three-person roof tent, enhancing its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's cargo space was generous, with 818 litres available without the panoramic sunroof, and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. Overall, the Forester was a well-rounded compact SUV that offered a compelling blend of utility and comfort.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering an impressive 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its hefty weight of approximately 2,900 kilograms, the Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in about six seconds. The vehicle came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, which included a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing traction. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, also standard, allowed for adjustable ride height, providing up to 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance. While the Grand Wagoneer excelled in off-road capabilities, its size and weight made it less agile on the road, with a bouncy ride at higher speeds and imprecise steering.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. All Foresters featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes, where a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The CVT's eight programmed ratios simulated an automatic transmission, and the SI-Drive system provided a more lively response in Sport mode. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different terrains, and the re-tuned suspension improved ride and handling. The Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks increased ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

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 boasted more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80. However, space in the front row was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all three rows in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. With all rear seats folded, the cargo space expanded to 2,667 litres, though this was less than some competitors. The vehicle's maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer's additional weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins, while the standard 360-degree camera system aided visibility.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The upgraded roof rails could support a three-person roof tent, enhancing its versatility. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with high seating positions providing excellent visibility. Rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports improved passenger comfort, and the back seat accommodated two adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 818 litres available without the panoramic sunroof and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area was practical, and the Wilderness trim included a full-size spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The McIntosh audio system, simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, and 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot enhanced connectivity. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with its Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air software updates. While the system was generally functional, the screen response was occasionally slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims, including the Wilderness, offered an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been a welcome addition. The voice recognition system was inconsistent in its effectiveness.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time of review. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, though a hands-free version was planned for future release.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also included a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model’s “Top Safety Pick+” rating.