2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L continued the legacy of its predecessors with a design that was both tough and upscale. Its Hydro Blue variant, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured a bold aesthetic with blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L, especially in upper trims, was impressive with luxurious touches like black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut accents. Despite some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather, the overall feel was justified for a vehicle nearing $90,000. The Grand Cherokee L maintained its classic Jeep style with modern elements like slim LED lighting and body-colour bumpers, ensuring it looked clean and ready to last for decades.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was criticized for its over-styled appearance, with exaggerated forms and a design that seemed to swing too far from Toyota's traditionally conservative aesthetics. The interior followed a similar philosophy, with oversized elements like a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. The multi-layered dashboard with mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made the interior visually overwhelming. Despite these design choices, the Highlander Hybrid was quiet on the road, a testament to Toyota's focus on creating a serene driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was considered outdated and lacked the low-end torque needed for a heavy SUV. However, an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine offered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving towing capacity and overall performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, and its 4WD systems were robust, offering permanent engagement for all four wheels.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. While this setup was efficient, it lacked high-speed passing power, and towing capacity was limited to 1,588 kilograms. The Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension tuning and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that contributed to a lack of engagement. However, its fuel economy was a highlight, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed at maximizing efficiency, although real-world results were slightly higher than expected.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with its extended length providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The third row was best suited for children, but the overall cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,407 litres available. The interior featured a range of convenience features, including a power liftgate and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof on higher trims. However, some issues with the infotainment system's legibility were noted.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The third row was tight and best used occasionally. The interior featured standard three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional comforts like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats in higher trims. Cargo space was practical, with a maximum of 2,387 litres available, although some design choices, like the centre armrest storage console, were criticized for being unnecessarily complex.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came equipped with Uconnect 5, featuring an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims offered advanced features like night vision and a passenger screen. The McIntosh sound system was available, though it lacked surround imaging from the rear speakers. The Grand Cherokee L's tech offerings were comprehensive, with features like Active Driving Assist and a head-up display enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected service plans were available. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The JBL sound system provided decent audio quality, and the overall technology package was user-friendly, though some graphics could benefit from sharper contrast.

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. It came standard with a range of safety features, including forward emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision on higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, and higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera.