2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood as a testament to Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment, even as other manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite the decline in minivan popularity, Toyota continued to innovate, introducing the fourth-generation Sienna in 2021. This model embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic, with a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a robust and assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical interior, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to family needs. The cabin design was uncluttered, providing a comfortable and functional environment for both drivers and passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a sophisticated extension of the Grand Cherokee line, offering a longer body to accommodate a third row of seats. This model maintained Jeep's iconic design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while incorporating modern touches like slimmer lighting and improved paint finishes. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced technology features that rivalled premium brands. The spacious cabin provided comfort for all passengers, with options for captain's chairs or a bench seat in the second row, and a panoramic roof that enhanced the sense of openness.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered exclusively by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. This setup provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, aided by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The hybrid system's fuel efficiency was impressive, with Natural Resources Canada ratings of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway for FWD models. The AWD option added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without compromising efficiency.

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. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled to provide adequate power for the vehicle's size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered a more robust 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's fuel efficiency varied, with the V6 achieving 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.4 on the highway, while the V8 was less efficient. The vehicle's chassis and optional air suspension provided excellent ride quality and handling, with multiple ride height settings for different driving conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats added flexibility for cargo and passenger arrangements, with cargo capacities of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. The system included physical switches for essential functions, ensuring ease of use. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space for passengers in all rows, with options for captain's chairs or a bench seat in the second row. However, the air vents were noted to be insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which could be noisy. The vehicle's panoramic roof and numerous USB ports contributed to a comfortable and connected travel experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and audio system upgrades across trim levels. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, providing entertainment options for passengers on long journeys.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a wealth of technology features, particularly on upper trims. These included massage modes for the 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 the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking, with additional options available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and multiple child-seat connectors, ensuring safety for all passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and a suite of driver aids. These features contributed to a comprehensive safety package, although official ratings were not available at the time.