2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a continuation of a 2019 redesign, was a mature crossover SUV that had evolved significantly from its original "cute ute" categorization. Its exterior design, while fitting in with the current crossover trends, featured distinctive angular flourishes and crisp lines that contrasted with the organic shapes of the body-side bends. The RAV4's expressive headlights and snub-nosed grille gave it a playful yet aggressive Kabuki-like face. 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while extending its length by over 30 centimetres. The High Altitude package added bold elements like a blacked-out grille and dark grey 21-inch wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was impressive, especially in upper trims, with features like a polished black dash, diamond-patterned stitching, and aluminum speaker grilles. Despite some hard plastics, the overall feel was luxurious, with the Summit Reserve trim offering a particularly classy experience. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined traditional Jeep elements with modern touches, ensuring it remained a standout in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both FWD and AWD options. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 combined net horsepower and impressive fuel economy ratings of 5.8 L/100 km city, 6.3 highway, and 6.0 combined. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone, with a fuel efficiency rating of 2.5 Le/100 km combined. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and Multi-Terrain Select tuning for AWD models.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard engine was a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 was adequate, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better performance, especially for towing. The V8 allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension offering a smooth ride. The SUV featured three 4WD systems, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most capability. The Grand Cherokee L's off-road prowess was notable, with a ground clearance of up to 27.6 centimetres and sophisticated 4WD systems.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo space with 1,059 litres behind the second row and up to 1,977 litres with the second row folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms in certain trims. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four adults, with ample legroom and storage options. The XLE grade added features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel spacious even with the first-row seats pushed back. The SUV offered various seating configurations, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 bench seat optional. The third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-equipped, with features like a power liftgate and dual-pane panoramic sunroof available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system as standard. Upper trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL audio system, and advanced features like a bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch colour head-up display. The RAV4 Prime showcased additional technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and blue ambient illumination.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation available on higher trims. All systems ran Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Grand Cherokee L boasted advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed for independent media control. The SUV's tech offerings were extensive, with options like a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system and a head-up display available on upper trims.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of driver-assist systems, was standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA in most tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras. The Grand Cherokee L's safety offerings were comprehensive, with advanced systems available on upper trims.