2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Nissan Murano

The 2021 Nissan Murano once boasted a design that was ahead of its time, but by 2021, its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end had become standard in car design. Its interior was more conservative, focusing on comfort for commutes and road trips. The cabin's restrained styling ensured that controls were intuitively placed, minimizing any learning curve. The Murano offered trims like S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding features such as power-adjustable seats, adaptive cruise control, and premium leather upholstery.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for a fresh look, retained Jeep's traditional design elements while offering a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It came in trims like Laredo, Altitude, Limited, and more, with prices ranging from $37,390 to $63,365. The Grand Cherokee's styling paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. Inside, it mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options for luxurious features like quilted leather and a McIntosh audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured a single 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Murano excelled in low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. It offered a comfortable ride, absorbing road bumps well, but had a low towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, with a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower. The V6 had a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 could tow up to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available, catering to different off-roading needs. The Grand Cherokee's eight-speed automatic transmission was paired with a dial-style shifter, which some found tricky. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While not the most spacious, it excelled in ease-of-use with a traditional shifter and ample storage cubbies. The Murano prioritized two rows of seating, providing generous headroom and legroom, with partially reclining second-row seats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with them folded. The redesign improved visibility and added camera technologies for driver confidence. While rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, the Grand Cherokee L offered more room. The two-row model was accommodating, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included hard buttons for easy navigation and offered an optional Bose premium stereo system and navigation.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. It included the Uconnect 5 system with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Grand Cherokee offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Nissan Murano included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and parking sensors were optional.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted advanced driver assistance systems, with a structure made of aluminum and high-strength steel. It included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected in 2022.