2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, offering a unique aesthetic compared to the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback in Europe. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, such as plastic body cladding and a slightly elevated ride height, the ID.4's SUV-like styling was subtle, making it less distinguishable as an SUV compared to other EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained Jeep's design traditions while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise of capability or comfort. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee's interior varied from basic yet quality cloth seats in the Laredo to premium quilted leather and high-end audio systems in the Summit Reserve. The gloss black finish on higher trims, however, could cause reflections, making controls harder to use. Overall, the Grand Cherokee provided a blend of style, comfort, and purpose, with a focus on off-road capability in the Trailhawk trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. with a passenger car since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version, introduced later in 2021, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, it offered a balanced driving experience with its RWD setup, providing a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. The ID.4's regenerative braking system was less aggressive than other EVs, focusing on coasting efficiency rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 was available with both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, while the V8 was exclusive to 4WD models. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds with the V6 to 7,200 pounds with the V8. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's eight-speed automatic transmission featured a dial-style shifter, which could be tricky to use. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats, which proved effective in cold conditions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable interior across its trims, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat legroom was tight for taller passengers, and the Grand Cherokee L offered more space with its sliding seats. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded, while the Grand Cherokee L offered more due to its design.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, allowing them to assist the driver and access entertainment options. The optional McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration added to the tech offerings.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. It came standard with driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist, a lane-centering system, and Emergency Assist were new features for 2021, enhancing highway driving and safety.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems, with a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to arrive in 2022, allowing for more autonomous driving on approved roads.