2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. Aside from a "4xe" badge and blue accents, it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with the power port being the main differentiator. When the battery was charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, save for the pedestrian notification system, which drew attention as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, priced at $66,690, featured a rugged interior with blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. Despite its utilitarian design, the Wrangler 4xe offered more comfort than previous models, though luxury was not its forte.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, maintained a classic design with modest grilles and elegant wheel arches. Its substantial size was evident, with dimensions of 77 inches in height, 79.9 inches in width, and 205.1 inches in length. The Sequoia's interior, however, felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, offering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It provided an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving and a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe achieved 20.8 mpg in Hybrid mode and covered 757 miles, with 120.9 miles on electricity, averaging 19.1 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter 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 around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. The Sequoia's fuel economy was rated at 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models and 14 mpg combined for 4WD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with a 38.1-foot turning circle and excellent sightlines for daily driving.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior required some agility to enter and exit, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the classic Wrangler driving position offered a clear view over the hood. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The center console and glove compartment provided ample storage, while rear passengers enjoyed cup holders and power access. The cargo area featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet and offered 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, the system showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Wrangler 4xe also included helpful charging indicators and a Trip Summary data panel for charging time estimates.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's 7-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to competitors, though it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated its headlights as Marginal and noted a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included the Toyota Safety Sense P suite with features like pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags.