2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and reliable SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The 4Runner's utilitarian interior, characterized by hard plastics and a straightforward dashboard with large knobs and buttons, emphasized functionality over luxury. This SUV was available in various trims and packages, offering a range of features from basic to more off-road-focused options. Its pricing started at $46,200 and could reach up to $62,430, depending on the chosen configuration.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a more modern and luxurious take on the traditional SUV design. Sharing its frame with the standard Wagoneer, it featured a distinctive black roof, model-specific hood, and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a new body-on-frame architecture with independent suspension and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors. Inside, it offered high-end materials, including Nappa leather and American Walnut wood trim, along with advanced convenience features like 24-way power front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Grand Wagoneer aimed to deliver a premium experience, setting itself apart from its more utilitarian sibling.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt sluggish and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was relatively high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivered an impressive 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. It featured a standard Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system provided adjustable ride height for various driving conditions. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely pace, as its size and weight made it feel ungainly at higher speeds.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats in both the front and rear. Its high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but optional running boards helped with entry. The 4Runner provided up to 2,540 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient seating area for various activities.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated up to eight passengers with its optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. With all seats in place, it provided 775 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,667 litres with the rear seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage bins. Its towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms was slightly lower than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were modest, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also featured a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked the sophistication of more modern systems.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a comprehensive infotainment setup, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers enjoyed their own touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added further convenience. The Uconnect 5 system, with its Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air updates, although some users found the screen response time lacking.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with plans for a hands-free version in the future. Crash-test ratings were not yet available for the Grand Wagoneer.