Like so many others, the automotive industry is one of changing trends and competing products. Because popularity one year doesn’t mean relevance in the following one, the standing of manufacturers as well as different models can change dramatically in the span of 365 days. Thankfully, there are always customers who believe in the concept of brand loyalty and don’t believe in switching their favorite brand just because the course of popular opinion has decided to shift. Nowhere is more apparent than with the millions of Jeep owners who, year after year, extol the praises of the manufacturer as the undisputed leader of off-road efficiency and rugged individualism. Naturally, when you’re on the very top of the mountain, there are plenty of ambitious contenders who want nothing more than to take your place. Nissan is one of many that hopes to do so with its Pathfinder. This is nothing new to Jeep, which understands that superior performance means inciting superior ambition in others. Today, this contest is to be decided as we pit the two against one another is a gladiatorial showdown. It’s the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.
Comparing Performance
With both options being part of the widely popular family of vehicles known as the SUV, performance is of great importance to many consumers. Knowing that their vehicle can carry the workload when necessary and provide recreation when needed is always a selling point that many pay close attention to. Not to be outdone by those attempting to take its crown, Jeep provides performance that once again places the brand ahead of the pack. Knowing that variety and affording customers options is always appealing, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes equipped with two engine options that are both efficient in their own respective ways.
The first of these workhorses is a Pentastar V6 that generates 290 ponies and a whopping 257 lb-ft of torque. The V6 that Jeep equips its Grand Cherokee with provides all the advantages of a work-ready vehicle, as it boasts a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs. Not to worry though–you’ll be exemplifying Jeep’s “head of the pack” mentality with the ability to go from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. All of this on top of a combined 21 MPG means that this is one SUV for all seasons.
For the members of the Jeep fanbase who need just a little bit more, a HEMI V8 is available and at the ready. Both the V6 and V8 come equipped with an 8-speed transmission, but as one would correctly assume, the V8 gives the necessary extra boost to whoever needs it. For the veteran tower, 7,200 lbs of towing capability are put into your hands. But it doesn’t end there. Jeep’s V8 can generate 357 horsepower, which accentuates its eyebrow-raising 390 lb-ft of torque. Not to worry, this V8 isn’t just for those hauling a workload, but also for those who like hauling…you know. Going from 0-60 MPH in an impressive 6.1 seconds, it appears that both engine options will appeal to a wide range of sensibilities.
So, what does the competitor have to counteract Jeep? Nissan isn’t about to take this contest lying down and answers Jeep with its own V6. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder doesn’t lack when it comes to performance. How does 284 horsepower paired with an impressive 259 lb-ft of torque strike you? Impressive as that is, the Pathfinder boasts a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. While this is more than adequate for the average driver, this rating falls short of the Grand Cherokee’s available options.
While Nissan has always equipped its trucks and SUVs with reliable and capable engines, the Pathfinder falls prey to one of the manufacturer’s major shortcomings–a lack of variety. Nissan’s V6 equips every trim of the Pathfinder, leaving nothing in the way of choices for drivers who want a little something extra. The one real choice in terms of performance is the drivetrain, which comes in standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive.
Safety and Style
Whether it’s another day at work or partaking in recreation, having the amenities and comfort to enjoy what you do is of great importance. While this is a deciding factor for some, nothing will ever come close to the peace of mind that comes from being safe on the road. To this end, both companies place a great deal of emphasis on safety, just as they have with performance and comfort.
Jeep has its eye on safety with an emphasis on accessibility. While other manufacturers make safety and driver-assist features come with an added price tag, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee opts to make them standard for the benefit of its buyers. What one gets standard is an impressive array of features, including full-speed collision warning, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and adaptive cruise control. Jeep’s philosophy of peace of mind not coming with an extra price tag will certainly reassure its loyal customers that they’ve made the right choice.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder doesn’t skimp on standard safety features, either. Automatic blind spot monitoring and pedestrian detection both come standard, as does rear cross traffic warning and emergency braking. What isn’t standard is Nissan’s semi-autonomous driving mode and adaptive cruise control, which are only available on certain trim.
We tell children to never judge a book by its cover and to always consider inner merits. In what we might refer to as an “interior motive,” the average consumer wants a great deal of comfort and luxury while partaking in any activity related to driving. When it comes to keeping your passengers entertained and occupied on longer-than-average trips, Jeep has you covered with an infotainment screen that stretches to over 10″. And because the outside world is hard to ignore at times, an available Alpine nine-speaker stereo system will make it inconsequential. You also need not worry about feeling like you’ve been placed into the lap of luxury. Quilted upholstery and wood trim give you that pampered feeling whether you’re a passenger or behind the wheel.
The Pathfinder doesn’t want for creature comforts, though the interior lacks the sophistication of the Grand Cherokee. However, Nissan only makes them available on the higher-priced models and not standard. Ventilated seats and top-tier upholstery are available at a higher price tag, as is a Bose audio system. The term that one uses when describing the overall feeling of the Pathfinder’s standard interior attributes is “basic.” The wheel isn’t being reinvented here, and an 8″ infotainment center is readily available on many other makes and models in the industry. Higher trim levels feature a 9″ screen, although a mere one-inch upgrade from standard screen seems a bit too little. In short, while being comfortable, the Pathfinder is playing an obvious game of catch up with what Jeep has already been offering.
The Long-Awaited Verdict
When it comes to the choice of which vehicle to purchase, much comes down to personal preference, and the question of “which model is best” is always subjective. When comparing the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, there are quite a few similarities and advantages that both have to offer consumers. Both will provide more-than-adequate performance to their customers and provide them with the ability to enjoy life, be it work or play.
As with any trial or tribunal, a verdict must be rendered, and ours is in favor of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The reason for the decision is based upon what we’ve seen in terms of variety and accessibility. Jeep has placed emphasis on making as many of its features standard and not reserving them only for models that come with a sizable price tag. Making more available to the average consumer shows a stronger dedication and gratefulness to customer loyalty. The Pathfinder’s approach and one-size-fits-all engine limit the number of people who can utilize it for their individual use.
The long and short of it is this, all manufacturers make vehicles. All provide their customers with essential products and services. But Jeep making vehicles with more options and greater accessibility speaks to their focus on people and not profits. And that’s something you can’t put a price tag on.
