2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase stretched an additional 12.7 cm, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L first as an all-new 2021 model, before the two-row version in 2022, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finishes. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, available in four trim levels in Canada, offered a range of options from the RAV4 LE to the RAV4 Limited. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a two-part face and aggressive styling. The Trail trim included blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and orange interior accents, but was more about appearance than off-road capability. The interior had a basic centre console with orange accents, and the RAV4 provided a frameless rearview mirror for a premium touch. The RAV4 offered fabric upholstery in the LE and XLE trims, with synthetic leather in the XLE Premium package. The Limited trim included heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but was found lacking in power for the vehicle's weight. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights and driving modes.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a single engine choice for its gas-powered models: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims, with a Snow drive mode included. The RAV4's performance was described as unobjectionable, with the engine being noisier than some competitors. The Trail trim had 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. However, the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, with headroom and legroom measurements slightly varying from competitors. The RAV4 offered convenient storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. This placed the RAV4 in the middle of the pack for storage capacity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with voice command and connected services. The Limited trim also included an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by major safety organizations, but included standard safety features like driver and passenger knee airbags and trailer sway control.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 was equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of driver-assistance systems, including Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.