2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare. Despite the decline in popularity of minivans due to the rise of SUVs, Toyota remained committed to this segment. The Sienna, which debuted in 1998, evolved over the years, with the fourth generation launching in 2021. This model attempted to blend SUV styling with minivan practicality, featuring a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating for families, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by over 30 centimetres, maintaining its tough yet upscale appearance. The High Altitude package added a bold touch with blacked-out elements and dark grey wheels. The interior of upper trims was luxurious, with features like a polished black dash, metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching. While not every material was top-tier, the overall feel was more refined than many competitors. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined traditional Jeep elements with modern touches, ensuring it remained a stylish and durable choice.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered exclusively by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup, similar to other Toyota hybrids, offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter adding an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery and offered four selectable drive modes. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the FWD model achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway.

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 this engine was considered underwhelming, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 was available, offering 357 horsepower and significantly improved towing capacity. The V8 also provided a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel economy varied, with the V6 achieving 13.0 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 on the highway, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis and air suspension contributed to confident handling, and its 4WD systems ensured off-road capability.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a versatile family vehicle, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood. Its sliding second row allowed for flexible cargo arrangements, with cargo space ranging from 949 litres behind the third row to 2,860 litres with the second row folded. The Sienna also offered a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, especially for families with young children.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered increased legroom due to its extended wheelbase, with second-row captain's chairs standard. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L featured a power liftgate and optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof, enhancing its practicality and comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. While wireless connectivity for these features was absent, the Sienna included telematics services and optional upgrades like a JBL audio system and rear-seat entertainment. A digital rearview mirror was available on higher trims, providing a clear view even with a full load of passengers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with Uconnect 5 software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system included unique features like night vision and Active Driving Assist. The passenger screen allowed for independent media control, and the optional McIntosh sound system provided high-quality audio. The Grand Cherokee L's tech offerings were extensive, setting it apart from competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aids, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored well in NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like night vision and 360-degree cameras further enhanced its safety profile.