2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that defined the SUV aesthetic. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its success, offering a blend of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV characteristics. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, with its premium leather and wood interior, exuded luxury, though the aging interior design hinted at the need for a redesign.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, presenting a rugged yet somewhat disjointed appearance. The trapezoidal grille and upright fascia gave it a robust look, while the side profile introduced a softer character line. The interior was unconventional, with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The Bronze Edition featured unique bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, though the latter was prone to dirt and stains. The Highlander's interior materials trailed behind competitors, but its hybrid status offered a unique appeal in its class.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency, though fuel consumption remained high. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced off-road capabilities, while the Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it versatile in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, with the gasoline engine supplying additional power. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing out road imperfections. The Highlander Hybrid's cabin remained quiet on the highway, contributing to a comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system. Rear-seat legroom was somewhat snug, but large windows and a panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space. Cargo space behind the rear seat measured 1,028 litres, expanding to 1,934 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, interior storage was limited, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system further reduced space.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Interior storage was plentiful, with multiple trays and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats offered generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining capabilities. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim boasted a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee offered essential technology features, though it lacked the advanced digital capabilities of newer models.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Limited and Platinum trims included navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. While the Highlander Hybrid met expectations, it didn't exceed them in terms of technology features.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were a potential drawback for buyers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum trim offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and head-up display. While the safety systems generally worked well, some fine-tuning was needed for optimal performance.