2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that was a departure from its predecessors, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that gave it a traditional SUV look. Despite its aggressive 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 RAV4 looked like a 4Runner, its mechanical components were more akin to a Camry. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered additional styling options, such as an Ice Edge roof and matte black wheels, to enhance its rugged appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and SofTex upholstery, although material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. However, the Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. It was built on a new body-on-frame architecture that allowed for independent suspension and weight-saving features like an aluminum hood. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered high-end materials and convenience features, including 24-way power front seats with massage functions and Nappa leather upholstery. The interior also featured unique elements like seat controls on the doors and a "Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter 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. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and was known for its high-revving nature. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, enhancing off-road capability. The TRD Off-Road also had model-specific suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, but its off-road performance was limited by suspension articulation and approach angles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, which included a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Grand Wagoneer also came with a Quadra-Lift air suspension system, providing up to 10 inches of ground clearance and various drive modes for different terrains. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering. Its off-road capability was impressive, but its size limited its trail performance.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that provided ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 had a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was above average but not class-leading. The interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space was limited, with smaller cupholders and a larger shift lever.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer could seat seven with standard captain's chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. With all seats in place, it provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and large storage bins, but forward visibility was limited by the hood.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked flashiness, and the gasoline RAV4 did not have a head-up display. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two phones and had a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer used the Uconnect 5 system with an Android-based OS and OTA updates. While the screen was slow to respond, the head-up display was clear and legible.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with options for blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor and night vision. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering, with a hands-free version planned for the future.