2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a blend of rugged styling and practical design. Despite its fully loaded status, it lacked the larger alloy wheels found on its non-hybrid counterpart, and its electronic AWD system was not suited for off-road adventures. The RAV4 Hybrid's exterior exuded a tough appearance, though it could have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, the vehicle offered a stylish and functional cabin, albeit with a mix of high-quality materials and less impressive glossy hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was practical and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended body to accommodate third-row seating, offered a sophisticated and recognizable Jeep design. The vehicle's elegant exterior featured modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with high-end materials like real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather. The Grand Cherokee L's spacious cabin provided comfort for all passengers, even in the third row. However, the air vents were somewhat inadequate, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was notably loud.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This setup provided a lively driving experience, although the engine's sound was unpleasant at high revs. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 L/100 km during testing. The vehicle's CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. However, the all-season tires offered low grip, affecting cornering performance. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled as a daily driver, with a comfortable ride and decent off-road capability, thanks to its 20.6 cm ground clearance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre 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 size, while the V8 delivered a robust 357 horsepower. The V6's fuel efficiency was decent, but the V8 consumed more fuel. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, providing excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered adjustable ride heights and improved handling. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were commendable, but all-terrain tires were recommended for rougher trails.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid provided ample storage space, with a 1,059-litre cargo area that expanded to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The vehicle offered generous space in all rows, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. A panoramic roof and ample USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo space was versatile, accommodating various passenger and cargo configurations.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with a choice of infotainment systems, featuring either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connectivity options. The top-tier system featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a night vision system. The vehicle's infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

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.