Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar traditional SUV styling. It featured a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille. Its grille leaned forward slightly, with laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel centre caps had an acrylic glass covering to protect the “Wagoneer” logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent front and rear suspension, while the aluminum hood and doors, along with a composite tailgate, helped save weight. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted high-end materials and convenience features, including 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, lumbar support, and four-way power headrests. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with higher-grade Palermo leather available, complemented by aluminum and American Walnut wood trim.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a more substantial and blocky appearance, shedding its softer crossover styling. The trapezoidal grille, adapted from Toyota's truck line, added heft, framed by beveled and angled bodywork. This design approach, initially unique, became more common among competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. The angular theme extended to the interior, featuring a multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts for visual interest. While materials quality was average for its class, with some hard plastics, most contact surfaces were lightly padded. The base model lacked a leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting for a downmarket urethane wheel and centre armrest. However, higher trims offered leather coverings. The RAV4 Hybrid's build quality was strong, with no detectable creaks or squeaks over rough pavement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. The Grand Wagoneer came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, including a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. It also featured a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system, providing 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance and enabling a 25-degree approach angle, 24-degree departure angle, and 22-degree breakover angle. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a stately pace, as its ride became bouncy at higher speeds, and its steering was imprecise.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, producing 219 horsepower. It was equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels, while a second electric motor provided all-wheel drive. The RAV4 Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the standard RAV4. The brakes operated smoothly, with regenerative braking charging the hybrid battery during initial pedal strokes. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over moderate bumps and potholes, delivering confident cornering without being sporty. The RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were calm and effortless, similar to its rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80. However, space in the front was more limited compared to the Escalade and Navigator. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 775 litres of cargo space with all three rows in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. With all rear seats folded, it offered 2,667 litres of cargo space. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer's extra weight. The vehicle featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins. Forward visibility was somewhat limited by the hood, but the standard 360-degree camera system helped mitigate this issue.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample front seat space for larger passengers, while the rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults. It offered slightly more rear headroom than the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage but slightly less legroom. The rear seat cushions were set low, potentially leaving taller passengers wishing for more thigh support on long trips. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 1,059 litres of cargo space, only three litres less than the non-hybrid RAV4. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter owners might find it challenging to reach them. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray for wireless charging, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with 3D graphics, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a McIntosh audio system, and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot supporting up to eight devices. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which included an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software update capability. While the screen was a bit slow to respond, the head-up display was clear and legible.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logically arranged menus. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top RAV4 Hybrid trim featured a fully digital instrument panel, and the XSE and Limited trims came with an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet received crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and two levels of driver-assistance systems. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The top Limited trim added front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control was noted for its smooth operation.