2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but dull, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive grille gave it a commanding presence. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear boasted Lexus-like taillights. The Highlander XSE trim added a sporty flair with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, though it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a near-flawless fit and finish, emphasizing comfort and convenience for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, with a longer body to accommodate third-row seating. Its design retained classic Jeep elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, enhanced by modern lighting and improved panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with high-resolution screens, real wood, and leather seating. The Grand Cherokee L's spacious cabin and premium features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, it provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort rather than speed.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine choices: a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 struggled with the vehicle's weight, while the V8 provided robust performance. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride quality, with a stellar chassis and optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights. Its driving modes adapted to various terrains, enhancing its versatility. However, the V6's fuel efficiency was better than the V8's, making it a more economical choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Highlander prioritized passenger comfort and cargo space. It featured convenient storage solutions, including shelves for devices and a wireless charging pad. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with adjustable seats to balance space between rows. Cargo capacity was decent, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,245 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L offered a spacious interior with a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It featured physical controls for climate and audio, enhancing usability. The cabin accommodated adults comfortably in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. However, the air vents were less effective, requiring higher fan settings. The Grand Cherokee L's panoramic roof and ample USB ports added to its appeal for long journeys.

The 2021 Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12.3-inch unit on higher trims. It included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though navigation performance was mixed. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, but the larger screen's limited app display raised questions about its value.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features on upper trims, such as massage seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera. Its Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control and other driver aids standard. The Summit Reserve trim boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, though lower trims had simpler setups.

The 2021 Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS but included standard safety features like knee airbags and trailer sway control. Its comprehensive driver aids enhanced safety, though official ratings were pending.