2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

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 centimetres, 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 introduced the L first as a 2021 model, with the two-row version following almost a year later. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and quality.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a bold three-row SUV, drawing design inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Its distinctively redesigned body gave it a substantial presence compared to its predecessor. The Sequoia's interior shared elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. A 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the Capstone's interior boasted a cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some interior materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $79,335 to $95,335, including destination charges and fees. The TRD Pro trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities, while the TRD Off-Road trim provided a more affordable option with off-road features.

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 it felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8 engine, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. 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 at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. 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 improved handling.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving towing capacity to 4,137 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was also enhanced, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving with 4WD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the suspension could be busy and jittery in Normal mode, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight spaces. The regenerative braking system felt unresponsive and heavy, affecting braking behaviour in urban settings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy. The Grand Cherokee L provided a spacious and comfortable interior for long journeys.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with a quiet cabin and comfortable front seats. The Capstone trim included a JBL premium audio system, triple-zone climate control, and a panoramic glass moonroof. However, the second-row captain's chairs did not slide, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat was less comfortable than competitors, with limited thigh support and legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with a maximum capacity of 2,460 litres, significantly less than the previous model and segment rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features on upper trims, including massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen on most trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system experienced some glitches, and the display was prone to glare.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While not tested by NHTSA or IIHS, the Tundra, on which it is based, received high ratings from IIHS.