2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that was reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This design was a departure from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers, giving it an aggressive look that stood out in the family car segment. 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 RAV4 looked like a 4Runner, its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a Camry.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a more traditional off-road aesthetic with its iconic design. Buyers had to choose between a two-door or four-door body style and a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. The High Tide model, based on the Sport S trim, added features like LED exterior lighting and a body-colour hardtop. The Wrangler's design was all about ruggedness and off-road capability, with a focus on customization and personalization.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet 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, akin to racing engines, 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" driving mode only added weight to the steering. Off-road, the RAV4 Trail and TRD Off-Road models featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, but lacked the suspension articulation and angles needed for serious off-roading.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, vague steering, and a noisy cabin, but it was beloved for its off-road capabilities and open-air driving experience. The Wrangler was designed for adventure, offering a sense of freedom and exploration.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors, and the rear seats were less comfortable for long trips. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded. The interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage spaces.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was rugged, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. Entry and exit were challenging, especially with a raised suspension. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring adjustments to see clearly. The Wrangler offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,050 litres with them folded. Storage options were limited, with small trays and netting for holding items. The Wrangler's interior was designed for durability and practicality, with features like floor drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime had a 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, with available features like a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium audio system. The Wrangler included features like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

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 like a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving.