2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, navy blue exterior, unique styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen in the base LE to premium amenities like a panoramic moonroof and a JBL audio system in the Limited and Platinum trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was known for its rugged and iconic design, available in both two-door and four-door body styles. Buyers could choose from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, and a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler offered four core trims—Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon—with numerous special editions. The High Tide model, based on the Sport S trim, featured LED lighting, a body-colour hardtop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. Despite its higher price point, the Wrangler's interior remained basic, emphasizing durability and functionality over luxury, with features like floor drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Highlander offered a smooth driving experience with its sport-tuned suspension, providing good handling and reduced body roll. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was built for off-road adventures. However, its fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, offering an immersive and rugged feel, but it required frequent stops at the gas station and had a reputation for being loud and less refined on the road.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it provided 453 litres of cargo space. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort. The third row was less spacious, suitable for short trips.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was more utilitarian, with a focus on durability. Getting in and out was challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was durable, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility was mixed, with some areas offering excellent views and others being obstructed. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seat folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and five USB ports, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. Higher trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked the larger Uconnect system, it provided essential connectivity. Optional features included remote engine start, satellite radio, and a heated steering wheel. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler required careful driving.