Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The Highlander Hybrid's design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in materials and controls. Despite these drawbacks, the vehicle was noted for its quietness on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic burly, body-on-frame look, with new features like a redesigned grille and integrated windshield antenna. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options and the ability to remove doors and fold down the windshield, emphasizing its rugged, adventurous spirit. The interior was equipped with new 12-way power adjustable front seats and a 30-amp Power Box in the 4xe model, enhancing its functionality for outdoor enthusiasts. The Wrangler's ride quality on pavement was less refined, but improvements in sound deadening materials made the cabin quieter than before.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard AWD and a towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms, though its high-speed passing power was limited. The Highlander Hybrid featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. Its Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but real-world results were less impressive than claimed. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower, a 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower, and a 6.4-litre V8 with 470 horsepower. The 4xe PHEV model combined a turbo engine with electric motors for 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, offering 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler featured various transfer cases for different off-road capabilities, with the Rubicon trim offering the most rugged options. The 4xe Rubicon included locking differentials and an Offroad+ mode for enhanced off-road performance. The Wrangler's solid axles provided excellent articulation, but its ride quality on pavement was less refined.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best suited for occasional use, and accessing it was challenging. The interior offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Platinum package. Storage solutions were criticized for their design, and cargo space was generous with the third-row seats folded, offering up to 2,387 litres.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's big news was its upgraded towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms for specific models. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power adjustable front seats. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box for powering accessories. The Wrangler's interior was designed for functionality, with improvements in comfort and convenience for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a JBL sound system. The Drive Connect service plan offered advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The system was praised for its speed and ease of use, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless hotspot, and dual Bluetooth phone pairing. The Off-Road Pages provided detailed data for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it struggled with certain road conditions.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, with forward collision warning standard on most models. Advanced driver aids were available as part of a package. The Wrangler had not yet been rated for 2024, but previous models received mixed ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The addition of side curtain airbags was expected to improve safety ratings.