2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often likened to a Lexus due to its sleek design. Its appearance, from the grille to its elongated profile, closely resembled the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included dual chrome-tipped exhausts, LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The base LE model was equipped with a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, among other features. The XLE and Limited trims offered additional luxuries like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, maintained Jeep's design traditions while offering a fresh take. Available in trims like Laredo, Altitude, and Summit Reserve, it ranged in price from $51,545 to $78,040, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the 1963 Wagoneer, with its forward-leaning grille and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, it mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo offering a quality feel despite its simplicity. The Summit Reserve trim boasted luxurious features like quilted leather seats and a McIntosh audio system. While the gloss black finish on higher trims could be reflective, the matte-black finish on lower trims was more practical.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza offered smooth acceleration and confident handling. Its all-wheel-drive system ensured stability, and it excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 357 horsepower. The V6 provided a tow rating of 2,812 kilograms, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kilograms. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's fuel consumption ranged from 11.3 L/100 km with the V6 to 14.1 L/100 km with the V8. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, while the V6 engine was preferred for its balance of efficiency and performance.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design with premium appointments. The centre stack featured capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls, while the deep centre console housed various controls and storage options. The Venza provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating in both rows. It offered 816 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee prioritized comfort and visibility. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with higher trims offering additional luxuries. The Grand Cherokee's redesign improved visibility, especially during off-roading. While rear-seat legroom was tight, the two-row model offered 1,067 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,004 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, with a 12.3-inch screen available in higher trims. The Entune system, while responsive, required multiple menu trips for certain functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a JBL premium audio system in the XLE and Limited trims. Toyota connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with its 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, provided improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options like a McIntosh audio system and a front passenger interactive display.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with upgrades available. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of high-strength steel and aluminum, though its crash-test performance remained to be seen.