2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 straddled the line between mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV categories. 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, with its 5.7-litre V8 engine and premium interior, exemplified luxury, though the interior design showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's evolution, with the latest model featuring a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across three rows. The Sienna's practicality was enhanced by features like power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, making it a convenient choice for families. The Sienna's design and functionality made it a versatile family hauler, capable of accommodating large cargo loads and providing a comfortable ride for passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms. 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 fuel 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 its daily drivability.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. The hybrid powertrain and efficient design made the Sienna an economical choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and leather-wrapped panels. 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, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,934 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the interior storage was limited, and the rear-seat entertainment system took up valuable space.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, and the power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate added convenience. The Sienna's interior was designed with family needs in mind, offering ample storage cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders throughout the cabin.

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 came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. However, the Grand Cherokee was considered "tech lite," with essential features but lacking advanced digital capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth streaming, and optional Qi wireless charging. The Sienna's audio system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system, with a rear-seat entertainment system available on higher trims. The Sienna also featured a digital rearview mirror and remote keyless entry, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but lower ratings from the IIHS in certain crash tests. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its headlights received a "Poor" rating unless upgraded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, making it a safe choice for families.