2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 under flared fenders, creating a balanced automotive art piece. 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with its 5.7-litre V8 engine and premium interior, exemplified luxury, though the interior showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a modern design on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several Toyota and Lexus models. Its proportions and exterior design were sleek, with a scalloped body side and LED lighting on the tailgate. The Venza's interior was Lexus-like, featuring an elegant layout and high-quality materials. The cabin offered comfort with supportive front seats and ample space for rear passengers. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures, emphasizing style and comfort over ruggedness.

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 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency, though fuel consumption remained high. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it suitable for daily driving.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with AWD provided by the rear electric motors. The Venza offered EV mode for short distances and drive modes like Normal, Eco, and Sport. Its regenerative braking system recharged the battery, contributing to its efficient performance. The Venza's handling was agile, though its design prioritized comfort over aggressive cornering.

Inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, passengers found supportive seats with quilted leather and a heated steering wheel. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though controls embedded in the infotainment system could be distracting. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom, with optional entertainment systems adding to a sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,934 litres with the rear seats folded, though interior storage was limited.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers with ample headroom and legroom. The second row featured a 60/40-split folding bench seat, providing 1,560 litres of cargo space when folded. The cabin included convenience features like an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and multiple cupholders. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack had minimal impact on cargo capacity, and the cabin was designed for quiet travel with sound-blocking materials.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system offered a user-friendly experience with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system included SiriusXM services and voice recognition technology. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, though the Grand Cherokee's technology offerings were limited compared to newer models.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no charging infrastructure, offering a range of over 800 kilometres on a full tank. The Venza featured a Predicted Efficient Drive program to optimize battery charging. The infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen, with XLE and Limited trims offering a 12.3-inch display, JBL audio system, and head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided additional features like Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, though its IIHS ratings were less favourable, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Parking assistance systems were also available.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.