2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L continued the legacy of its predecessors with a design that was both rugged and upscale. Its extended length of over 30 centimetres did not compromise its classic style, maintaining the quintessential Jeep look with U-shaped fenders and a square greenhouse. The Hydro Blue model, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured bold aesthetics with blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels. Inside, the upper trims offered a luxurious experience with black leather, gold stitching, and matte-finish walnut accents. While not every material was top-tier, the overall interior quality was impressive, especially for a vehicle nearing $90,000. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was notably more refined than many of its midsize competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 trim, embraced a retro vibe with its heritage grille and bronze accents. The exterior featured groovy yellow, orange, and red stripes, while the interior was practical and solid, albeit with a fair amount of plastic. The 4Runner's design harkened back to truck-based SUVs of the past, offering a purposeful and enduring appeal. Despite its retro touches, the 4Runner's interior was functional, with easy-to-use controls even when wearing gloves. The 4Runner's charm lay in its simplicity and ruggedness, appealing to those who appreciated a straightforward, no-nonsense SUV.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was somewhat hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, was considered outdated and lacked the low-end torque needed for a heavy SUV. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better choice, especially for towing, offering a maximum capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The V8 also delivered a more satisfying sound. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8's ratings were significantly worse. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis, however, provided solid handling, and the air suspension allowed for confident cornering and a comfortable ride. The SUV's 4WD systems were robust, with various options for different trims, and the air suspension offered up to 27.6 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, it offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 L/100 km combined, and during testing, it averaged 13.9 L/100 km. The SUV featured two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD system. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Crawl Control. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction made it more suited for off-road adventures than urban errands.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel spacious even with the front seats occupied by taller individuals. Standard second-row captain's chairs added to the comfort, while the Summit and Summit Reserve trims offered additional features like a centre console and four-zone climate control. The third row, though power-folding, was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo capacity was among the best in its class.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control and numerous storage options, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and USB charging ports. While a third-row seat was available, it was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space behind the second row. The tailgate's bumper doubled as a seat, adding practicality for outdoor activities.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, all running Uconnect 5. The system was generally user-friendly, though some legibility issues were noted. The McIntosh sound system, while good, lacked surround imaging. The Grand Cherokee L boasted advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could play video and control navigation. The 16-way power front seats with massage programs and a head-up display added to the luxury experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions, and voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations. The 4Runner's tech was straightforward and functional, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The 4Runner's NHTSA rating was four stars overall, with lower ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact test.