Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while extending its length by over 30 centimetres. This model was known for its bold appearance, especially with the High Altitude package that featured blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, with black leather, gold stitching, and matte-finish light walnut accents. Despite some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather, the overall feel was upscale, especially in the upper trims. The vehicle's design elements, such as U-shaped fenders and slim LED lighting, combined traditional Jeep aesthetics with modern touches, ensuring a timeless appeal.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in Canada exclusively with the Sport design, including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport trims. The RAV4 PHEV featured a boxy, truck-like presence with assertive grilles and rear diffusers, adding nearly five centimetres to its length. The GR Sport trim showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a more streamlined design than its predecessor. The interior was equipped with various accents depending on the trim, and the GR Sport featured red stitching and badging, enhancing its sporty appeal.

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 This engine was considered outdated and lacked the low-end torque needed for a heavy SUV. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and overall performance. The V8 allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms, compared to 2,810 kilograms with the V6. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.4 on the highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8's ratings were significantly worse. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and its air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance, making it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This combination resulted in a total output of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 horsepower and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. The RAV4 PHEV excelled in Auto mode, achieving a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing for flexibility in power usage. The RAV4's handling was enhanced in the GR Sport trim, which featured a lower ride height and improved suspension for a sportier driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel spacious even with the first-row seats pushed back. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a centre console available on higher trims. The third row was best suited for children, and the power-folding feature added convenience. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L offered excellent visibility from the driver's seat, although some infotainment graphics were difficult to read.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with clever storage solutions enhancing interior space. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims featured SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4's interior offered ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and multiple storage compartments. Rear legroom was spacious, although the cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, offering 951 litres with the seats up and 1,798 litres with the seats folded. The RAV4's interior was comfortable for four passengers, with the panoramic sunroof reducing headroom slightly.

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, although some graphics were hard to read. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of tech features, including a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, night vision, and Active Driving Assist. The passenger screen allowed for independent media control and navigation assistance, adding to the vehicle's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and user interface. The RAV4 PHEV included a subscription-based Voice Assistant and the ability to locate chargers along routes, enhancing its tech capabilities.

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 on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Standard systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims featured a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the 2026 model was expected to perform well in crash tests.