2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fresh addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo space. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L was expected to sell well due to its appealing styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, and it was available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235.

The test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, boasted features like metallic paint, advanced technology packages, and a premium audio system, bringing its price to $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price point, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were impressive. The redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the previous model, offering a blend of luxury and technology.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, continued its long-standing second generation into its 14th year without a major redesign. Despite its age, the Sequoia's exterior design remained tasteful, with a modest grille and elegant wheel arches. Its dimensions were substantial, with a height of 77 inches, a width of 79.9 inches, and a length of 205.1 inches, riding on a 122-inch wheelbase. The Sequoia's interior, however, showed its age, with a dated design and smaller infotainment screens compared to modern SUVs. Nevertheless, the interior was well-built, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability.

The test vehicle, a Nightshade Special Edition, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes. Despite its age, the Sequoia remained a capable and reliable SUV, appealing to those who valued its proven design and functionality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or a choice of three 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. However, this upgrade reduced fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle featured the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but with noticeable engine noise. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally smooth, though it sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered various driving modes, including off-road settings, and provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based design contributed to a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight of 5,730 to 6,000 pounds resulted in lower fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD and 14 mpg combined for 4WD. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent highway performance and competent off-road capabilities. Its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension provided a controlled ride, while the TRD Pro model further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Summit trim, with features like heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were small, making it challenging to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults, with large windows offering a great view. While the Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, it offered a storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. A standard power moonroof added to the airy feel, while heated and ventilated front seats were available on all trims. The Sequoia offered ample storage, with a large center console, glove compartment, and door pockets. The cargo area featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 66.6 cubic feet, and with both rear rows down, the Sequoia offered a generous 120.1 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available, with the test vehicle featuring the larger 10.1-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though its logo seemed out of place in the interior. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package offering 14 JBL speakers. While the Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, Toyota updated its exterior lighting to LED and included standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While effective, the system's steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more abrupt than expected. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. Additional safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, though crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, along with Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, LATCH connectors, crumple zones, and parking-assist sonar.