2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that was a departure from its predecessors, with boxy fender flares and a scowling front end that gave it a more aggressive look compared to other compact crossovers. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the exterior suggested a more adventurous vehicle, the mechanical underpinnings were more conventional. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black wheels and red interior accents, adding to its rugged appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and SofTex upholstery, though material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims.

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. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, with a seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The interior was luxurious, with high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather seating, offering a premium feel akin to a Mercedes. The Grand Cherokee L's spacious interior could comfortably accommodate adults in all three rows, and the optional air suspension provided a smooth ride. The vehicle's design and features made it a standout in its class, offering both style and functionality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. While the engine boasted 40% thermal efficiency and a high rev range, the transmission struggled to keep up, leading to a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the Sport mode only added weight to the steering without enhancing performance. Off-road, the RAV4 Trail and TRD Off-Road models offered torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and 21.7 cm of ground clearance, but lacked the articulation and angles needed for serious off-roading. The TRD Off-Road's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for other models.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 was found lacking in power for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by Jeep's driving modes, but it was best suited for on-road comfort. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, making it a strong performer in its class.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, though legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with flat cushions. Cargo space was above average at 1,059 litres with seats up and 1,977 litres with seats folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4's controls were user-friendly, with oversized knobs and a large centre-console storage bin, but lacked large cupholders and loose change storage.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The vehicle offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and a 60/40 split bench optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were insufficient for airflow. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was designed for convenience and comfort, making it suitable for long journeys.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system was straightforward but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime. The RAV4's interface was simple and functional, catering to those who preferred ease of use over flashy technology.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition, while the Summit Reserve boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. The Grand Cherokee L's technology offerings were comprehensive and catered to tech-savvy consumers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. A 360-degree camera system was available in certain packages.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L's safety features were comprehensive, though official ratings were not yet available.