2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's design included tall fender wells and a streamlined body to minimize obstructions during trail driving. The Bronco Sport's bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with its modest Ford branding, emphasized its adventurous character. Wheel options varied across trims, enhancing both style and functionality, while the interior boasted a rugged yet tasteful design with practical storage solutions and an 8-inch infotainment screen.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its traditional Jeep design elements while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. The SUV's styling drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a black roof option. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of trims from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each providing varying levels of comfort and quality. The interior design focused on improving visibility and included features like a panoramic sunroof and premium materials in higher trims. Despite some minor issues with gloss black finishes, the Grand Cherokee's interior was generally well-received for its comfort and luxury.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder producing 245 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, featuring a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road with its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance, making it suitable for both trail adventures and everyday driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 357 horsepower. The SUV offered three different 4WD systems, including the advanced Quadra-Drive II for serious off-roading. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. Fuel economy varied, with the V6 achieving up to 21 mpg in combined driving. The Trailhawk trim stood out for its off-road capabilities, featuring an air suspension, electronic locking rear differential, and Selec-Terrain driving modes.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like a cargo space designed to fit two mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for outdoor activities. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle offered a towing capacity of up to 2,200 pounds. The interior included clever storage solutions, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee focused on comfort and visibility, offering heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and improved sightlines. While rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, the two-row Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L offered additional legroom and cargo capacity for those needing more space.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Ford+Alexa. Higher trims offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system included multiple drive modes, and trail control technology assisted with off-road navigation.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a responsive interface and over-the-air updates. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and an optional front passenger interactive display. The Grand Cherokee also offered advanced audio and entertainment systems, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and lane centering. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted a robust collection of advanced driver assistance systems, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. The SUV's structure was composed of high-strength steel and aluminum, aiming to improve crash protection. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to enhance safety further.