2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a bold statement, while the character line along the side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus, added a touch of elegance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier front end and suspension tuning, but the Limited trim, with its upscale chrome accents and luxurious interior, truly shone. The interior boasted near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim, offering a comfortable and luxurious experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, presenting a traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. It distinguished itself with a black roof, model-specific hood, and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer featured a new body-on-frame architecture, independent suspension, and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors. Inside, it offered high-end materials and convenience features, including 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim, creating a luxurious and comfortable environment.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered smooth and predictable operation, whether in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. While not a powerhouse, it provided adequate performance for merging onto highways and compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained a comfortable family crossover.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, on the other hand, boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, propelled the Grand Wagoneer from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds. It featured a standard four-wheel-drive system with Quadra-Drive II and Selec-Terrain modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system allowed for adjustable ride height, providing impressive ground clearance and off-road angles. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its size and weight.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered practical interior space with three rows of seating. The front featured convenient shelves for storage, while second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom with available captain's chairs. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was limited to 453 litres behind the third row but expanded to 2,245 litres with all seats folded, providing versatility for various needs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven or eight passengers, offering more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. It provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, making it a strong contender for those needing to tow heavy loads.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen was visually appealing but limited in functionality, as navigation was confined to a smaller area. A JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, providing decent sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had their own touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added more screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system provided an Android-based operating system with over-the-air updates, although it was occasionally slow to respond.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the Grand Wagoneer was well-equipped for safety.