2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced in 2021, was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. This platform provided the Venza with a solid foundation, contributing to its excellent proportions and modern exterior design. The Venza's dimensions placed it on the smaller side of the midsize crossover SUV segment, but its design was sleek and sophisticated, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats could easily accommodate three adults.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was available in five trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trim being the focus of this comparison. The Trailhawk featured distinctive sky blue exterior detailing and a matte-black hood decal, along with unique wheels and aggressive all-terrain tires. However, the interior fell short of expectations, with an over-reliance on plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The seats, while equipped with heating and ventilation, were firm and relatively flat, and the rear legroom was tight. Despite these shortcomings, the Grand Cherokee 4xe was equipped with a range of off-roading features, making it a capable vehicle for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed the Venza to balance electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance. The electric motors at the rear axle provided power for an all-wheel-drive system, and drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. The Venza's performance was sprightly, with agile handling, although its taller body and higher ground clearance were not conducive to aggressive cornering.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, on the other hand, featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced a robust 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. The Trailhawk trim came with a standard four-wheel-drive system and Selec-Terrain technology, offering various driving modes for different terrains. Despite its impressive off-roading capabilities, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's performance in daily driving was less refined, with uneven power delivery and a regenerative braking system that made smooth stops challenging.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a spacious interior with seating for five in two rows. The front seats were bucket-style, while the second row featured a 60/40-split folding bench seat. Both rows provided good headroom and legroom, and the cabin felt roomy despite the Venza's lower roofline. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, minimizing its impact on cargo capacity. The Venza could hold up to 816 litres of luggage behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat. Toyota also focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space. The Trailhawk trim featured artificial suede and leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, but the front seats were firm and relatively flat. The second-row seats were mounted low and lacked support, and rear legroom was tight. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded down. However, this was smaller than some compact SUVs, limiting its practicality for families or those needing ample cargo space.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention from drivers, making it a convenient choice for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with a range of connectivity options. Higher trims added features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided additional functionality, including safety and remote services.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Trailhawk trim featured Jeep's Uconnect 5 technology, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, the low-contrast graphics made the display difficult to read. The Trailhawk also included an Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system available on higher trims. Despite these features, the infotainment system's user interface was not as intuitive as expected.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Advanced ProTech Group II added features like intersection collision assist and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, although the latter did not specifically apply to the 4xe plug-in hybrid version.