2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a testament to rugged design, with its fourth-generation JL model showcasing a boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. Its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders contributed to its classic Jeep look, while the limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a splash of modern flair. Inside, the Wrangler maintained its utilitarian vibe with easy-to-clean materials and straightforward controls, eschewing luxury features for practicality.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a more conservative yet spacious design, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles while maintaining a crossover's comfort. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with other Toyota models, providing a smooth ride on paved roads. Its larger dimensions compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer translated to a roomy interior, making it an ideal choice for families. The Grand Highlander's design was more refined, with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner, offering a blend of style and functionality.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road prowess, featuring solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 boasted a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid provided an eco-friendly option with a 17.3-kWh battery pack offering 35 km of all-electric range. However, the 392 model's on-road performance was hindered by inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-litre hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, while the Hybrid Max powertrain offered 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive, with the Hybrid Max providing impressive acceleration and a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander excelled in road manners, though its size made it less maneuverable in tight spaces. Its brakes were solid, and the steering, while somewhat numb, was adequate for most driving situations. Toyota's drive modes, including Sport, Eco, and Normal, allowed for some customization of the driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior was functional, with comfortable front seats and limited rear space. Storage was minimal, with small glove boxes and centre consoles, though it offered a variety of top options for open-air driving. Cargo space was limited to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, and the hard and soft tops provided different levels of convenience for accessing the cargo area. The Wrangler featured multiple charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as 12-volt and 115-volt outlets.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander boasted a spacious interior, with a length of over 5 metres and a 2,950 mm wheelbase, surpassing competitors like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. It offered a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, with ample space behind the second and third rows. The Grand Highlander provided excellent headroom, legroom, and shoulder room across all rows, ensuring comfort for passengers, even in the third row. Its large greenhouse offered good visibility, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. While initially complex, the system was intuitive, offering off-road pages with detailed information. Connectivity options included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Toyota interfaces. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available through a connected-services subscription. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims came with an 11-speaker JBL stereo, offering a balanced audio experience. While Toyota's tech had advanced, potential buyers were advised to review subscription options carefully.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with standard components like a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features such as blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims' headlights rated poorly and a four-star frontal crash test rating.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, though untested by NHTSA and IIHS, came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was also standard, with additional features like traffic jam assist and a head-up display available on the Platinum grade.