2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, notably its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged look popular among midsized SUVs. However, the side profile introduced a swooping character line over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight and made the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid featured an unconventional yet less jarring interior with an asymmetrical dash and a metallic styling element that created a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, reducing driver distraction.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the four-door Sport S trim and included options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield. Visibility varied, with some challenges at intersections and a spare tire blocking part of the rear view. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was ample, with 898 litres behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a supplemental electric motor powering the rear axle. Toyota estimated it could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable when ascending hills. Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over road bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. Natural Resources Canada estimated fuel consumption at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 14.0 L/100 km over 700 kilometres. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. It offered an immersive experience, especially with the top open and doors removed, allowing drivers to feel every bump and sense the environment. The Wrangler's character and capabilities encouraged exploration, sparking a range of emotions from joy to irritation.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options were abundant, with trays, a centre armrest bin, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating tall passengers with ease, and offered sliding and reclining options. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The driver's seat had a manual height adjuster, but the lever's position required regular readjustment. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, and the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility varied, with some challenges at intersections and a spare tire blocking part of the rear view. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 898 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were also available on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's Sport S trim had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The systems generally worked well but could use some fine-tuning.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Wrangler received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for certain crash tests. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required extra care when driving.