2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was a striking presence on the road, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, yet distinguishing itself with unique features. Its traditional SUV styling was evident in its tall hood, broad shoulders, and upright profile, reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Wagoneer stood apart with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling in the slots. The vehicle's 20-inch wheels, with optional 22-inch wheels on higher grades, featured acrylic glass coverings to protect the "Wagoneer" logo. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery, setting it apart from its sibling, the Wagoneer.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 had evolved significantly since its North American debut in 1996, growing in dimension and sophistication over five generations. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, was a mature crossover SUV that often topped sales charts in Canada. Its exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin elements together, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, propelled the hefty 2,900-kilogram SUV from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, it was capable of tackling various terrains, although its size limited its off-road prowess. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a stately pace, as its ride could become bouncy at higher speeds.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and responsive performance. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a similar engine with an electric motor for 217 net horsepower, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered an impressive 302 horsepower. The Prime could run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone, showcasing its efficiency. The RAV4's car-like handling, aided by MacPherson struts and a multi-link suspension, made it a popular choice among drivers. Its AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring, enhancing its handling capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. With 775 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed, it surpassed its rivals in practical configurations. However, with all seats folded, its 2,667 litres of cargo space fell short of some competitors. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control, although forward visibility was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo capacity with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity ranging from 499 to 511 kilograms, depending on the configuration. Towing capacities varied, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with comfortable front seats and a roomy centre console. The XLE grade added features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The cabin was equipped with numerous cupholders and storage compartments, enhancing its practicality for everyday use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A McIntosh audio system, simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. Second-row passengers enjoyed a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with an Android-based operating system and OTA updates, powered the infotainment experience, although some users found the screen response slow.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and six-speaker audio. Higher trims included a 9-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL audio, and navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology with five USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and blue ambient illumination. Top trims offered a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display. Smartphone integration was standard, making factory navigation systems less essential for tech-savvy users.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a suite of standard safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with plans for a hands-free version in the future. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 boasted Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. It also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road-sign assist. In Canada, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The RAV4 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, with the RAV4 Prime achieving a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid their highest five-star rating.