2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The vehicle featured the brand's signature seven-slot grille, now enhanced with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The grille's forward rake was reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer, blending nostalgia with modernity. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of hard plastic materials, which raised concerns about durability and noise over time. Despite this, the vehicle's overall design and comfort level were impressive, with a mix of gloss black and leather elements adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, was a revival of a nameplate that had previously faded away. Built on the TGNA-K platform, the Venza boasted excellent proportions and a modern exterior design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its most striking feature was the deeply scalloped body side, which emphasized power and elegance. The interior was equally impressive, with a Lexus-like layout and high-quality materials. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added depth and functionality to the cabin. The Venza's seats were supportive and comfortable, accommodating five passengers with ease. The vehicle's design was more suited for urban environments, with a focus on comfort and style rather than off-road capability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was notable for its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8 engine. The vehicle featured a standard four-wheel drive system managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a total driving range of 719 kilometres. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's fuel efficiency was remarkable, with a rating of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres under ideal conditions. The battery provided 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range, and the vehicle included E Select powertrain modes for optimized performance. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by two available 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Trailhawk trim offered maximum ground clearance and water fording capabilities. However, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms, less than its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with the rear axle motors providing all-wheel drive capability. The Venza offered electric-only operation for short distances and included Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza's performance was agile and sprightly, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive handling. Its hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it an ideal choice for those without access to charging infrastructure. The vehicle's fuel efficiency was impressive, with a tank of gas yielding over 800 kilometres.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered counterpart, was not available in a three-row configuration. However, it offered ample space for passengers, with the ability to expand cargo space from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres by folding down the second row. The vehicle provided excellent head and legroom, making it a comfortable choice for families. The available air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, facilitating loading and unloading. Despite the hot weather during testing, the standard heated steering wheel was a feature that promised comfort in colder months.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers in two rows, with generous headroom and legroom. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, ensuring comfort for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof. The interior featured numerous convenience elements, including an overhead console with LED map lights, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's cargo capacity was substantial, with 816 litres available behind the second row and up to 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat. Toyota prioritized cabin quietness, incorporating sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout, resulting in a serene driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface offering extensive customization options. The My Pages feature allowed for personalized screen layouts, enhancing the user experience. The vehicle included multiple screens, such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display and a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad and four USB ports were standard, and optional rear-seat entertainment screens with Amazon's Fire TV for Auto were available. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo system, standard on the Overland trim, was a standout feature, delivering exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no charging infrastructure, making it convenient for drivers without access to home charging stations. The vehicle featured a Predicted Efficient Drive program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The XLE and Limited trims added features like a heated steering wheel, SofTex upholstery, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim also included a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided additional safety and convenience features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting at the Overland trim. A 360-degree surround-view camera was standard on all trims except the Trailhawk. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, though the IIHS had not yet published its results.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The vehicle featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which offered forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and other driver aids. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features like parking assist and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.