2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. Observers might have missed its plug-in hybrid nature, save for the blue decals, badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel. The interior quality was consistent across the lineup, with three grades available: the 4xe Unlimited Sahara, Unlimited Sahara High Altitude, and the top-tier Unlimited Rubicon. The interior of the tested Rubicon featured Dark Saddle brown leather seats, black leather inserts with contrast stitching, and a dramatic front passenger grab handle, though it was dominated by black plastic, a typical Wrangler trait.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza presented a modern and elegant design, reminiscent of a Lexus. It featured excellent proportions with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate bisected by LED lighting. The Venza's interior was equally refined, offering a Lexus-like layout with high-quality materials. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to the sophisticated feel. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, and the rear seats could easily accommodate three adults, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler 4xe was trail-rated, featuring a Selec-trac or Rock-trac transfer case, solid axles, and a fully articulating suspension, allowing for impressive off-road capabilities, including 27.4 cm of ground clearance and 76 cm of water fording capability. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with hybrid, electric, and e-save modes available for optimal battery use.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for efficiency and performance, with the rear axle motors providing AWD capability. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, with regenerative braking helping recharge the battery. The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, suitable for family travel rather than aggressive cornering.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack under the rear seats, minimizing space loss for second-row occupants. Headroom remained consistent with standard Wrangler models, while legroom was slightly reduced. Cargo capacity was somewhat compromised, with 784 litres available with the seats up and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler's width of 1,875 mm made it manageable in urban settings, and the optional power-retracting roof added convenience for open-air driving.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a spacious interior with two rows of seating, providing ample headroom and legroom. The second row featured a 60/40-split folding bench seat, allowing for flexible cargo arrangements. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres with the seats up and 1,560 litres with them folded. The cabin was designed for quiet travel, with sound-blocking materials enhancing the serene environment. Convenience features included an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and multiple cupholders and bottle holders.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C system with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons and dials for essential functions. The Wrangler included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for efficiency settings. However, it lacked some modern tech features like a wireless phone charging pad, which was surprising for its price point.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with a comprehensive infotainment system, including an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and a head-up display. The Venza's hybrid system was user-friendly, with no need for charging infrastructure. The Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. Toyota Connected Services provided additional safety and convenience features.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structure with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS tests but a Marginal rating in the driver’s side small overlap front test. Safety features were limited, with blind spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude. The Advanced Safety Group offered additional features like adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Toyota Venza boasted a comprehensive safety suite, including the Toyota Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. It featured eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.