2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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 gave it a balanced and artistic look. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its success, as it managed to embody the essence of a mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV all at once. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models and the off-road-ready Trailhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with premium materials, though its aging design was evident in outdated switchgear and component fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, showcasing a mature design that adhered to the principle that good taste never goes out of style. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was typical of Toyota's high-quality craftsmanship, with tight seams and durable materials. However, it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs, with a smaller touchscreen and analog instrument panel. The Sequoia's Nightshade Special Edition aimed to keep it relevant, offering a stylish option based on the Limited model.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 2,818 kilograms and provided a satisfying driving experience. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine produced 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 it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain traction management made it a capable off-roader, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes enhanced daily driving.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with a robust body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance for off-roading. The TRD Pro model featured Fox shocks for enhanced off-road capabilities. The Sequoia's fuel consumption was higher, with ratings of 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Its turning circle and sightlines made it a practical choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller adults. The cargo space behind the rear seat measured 1,028 litres, with a maximum capacity of 1,934 litres when the second-row seats were folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior storage was adequate, though the rear-seat entertainment system reduced console space.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The cargo compartment included a 12-volt outlet, with 535 litres of space behind the third row and 3,401 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Sequoia's interior storage was generous, with a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system offered 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 featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Grand Cherokee's technology was considered "tech lite," focusing on essentials rather than advanced features.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain options and advanced digital features. However, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technologies like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system was also available.

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