2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

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 the option of a black- or white-painted roof enhancing its allure. Even in its base L trim, the Trailblazer managed to look good, which was quite a feat. The SUV was available in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The RS trim, which we tested, came with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a starting price of $28,195, but options pushed the sticker price to $33,000. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, making it hard to justify the higher price tag.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, was a testament to Jeep's ability to blend toughness with luxury. Its design, reminiscent of the original Grand Cherokee, was both rugged and upscale. The L model extended the Grand Cherokee by over a foot, maintaining the classic style while adding modern elements like slim LED lighting and body-color bumpers. Our test model, with the High Altitude package, featured bold design choices like blacked-out grille and logos, dark gray 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated interior with black leather and gold stitching. The upper trims boasted impressive interiors, with features like a polished black dash and diamond-patterned stitching, making it a classier choice for those willing to spend more.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was powered by turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. However, the larger 1.3-liter engine was the better choice, offering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm, giving the Trailblazer a sprightly feel. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with front-wheel drive, while AWD models came with a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's light curb weight, turbocharged torque, and 18-inch aluminum wheels made it a nimble and fun-to-drive SUV, though it was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's weakest link was its standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine was noisy and lacked low-end torque, making it less than ideal for a heavy SUV. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was available, offering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, and was recommended for towing, with a max rating of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also provided a better sound experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was solid, offering confident handling, especially with the air suspension. Jeep offered three 4WD systems, with the most advanced being Quadra-Drive II, which included a low-range transfer case and a limited-slip differential. The Grand Cherokee L could adjust its ground clearance up to 10.9 inches, making it a capable off-roader.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though roomy, was shaped like a park bench, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the SUV to carry items up to 8.5 feet long.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. The interior featured good visibility and a well-organized dashboard with two rows of buttons for various controls. Cargo space was generous, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our test vehicle had the larger screen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker 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 tailgate.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims, all running Uconnect 5. The system was generally easy to use, though some legibility issues were noted. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available on upper trims. The Grand Cherokee L also featured night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could play video and control navigation. Amazon Fire TV was available for streaming, adding to the SUV's extensive tech offerings.

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

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision, with Active Driving Assist standard on the Summit Reserve trim.