2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive front-end appearance. Over time, this design became more familiar, blending into the landscape of modern SUVs. The black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect, adding to its unique look, while the swollen haunches attempted to balance the overall styling. Despite the 20-inch alloy wheels, the exaggerated quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered a two-tone interior with soft leather, though the instrument panel shroud felt cheap and hollow. The asymmetrical dashboard housed a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which suffered from reflections on sunny days, and the mix of illumination colours made the gauges appear busy at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, with an additional 29 centimetres in length to accommodate third-row seating. The design seamlessly integrated the extra mass, making the standard model appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials like real wood and Palermo leather, and the dual high-resolution screens added to the premium feel. Even in all-black, the interior offered enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate, requiring the fan to be kept on high.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, reducing its total output to 243 horsepower. This change improved fuel efficiency, with a rating of 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving, though it came at the cost of driving enjoyment. The hybrid system used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission, but the power felt merely adequate, and the engine sounded strained during acceleration or hill climbs. The steering was lifeless, and the ride was marred by unwanted body movement, though regenerative brakes were an improvement. On smooth roads, the Highlander Hybrid handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it quickly became unsettled. Around town, the electric motor torque and EV Mode were highlights, but overall, the driving experience was uninspiring.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower, felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The transmission's early upshifts didn't help, and while Sport mode kept the revs high, it was not ideal. The V8, available on higher trims, provided a more satisfying 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, offering excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights and improved handling, making it a capable performer on various terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and heated and ventilated leather seats. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow, and the overhead air vents were irritating. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with all seats folded. However, storage solutions were less accommodating than the previous generation, and the wireless charger blocked access to the storage area.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior was spacious, with ample room in all rows, including the third row, which could accommodate adults. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench seat option available. The panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced comfort on long journeys, though the air vents were insufficient. The Grand Cherokee L offered a large central cubby and wireless phone charging, though some legibility issues were noted with the infotainment graphics.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL premium audio, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons, though the JBL sound system's performance varied. Driver Easy Speak projected the driver's voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror provided a clear view behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Summit Reserve trim included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.