2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved over time, and while initial reactions to its short grille and swept-back headlights were mixed, familiarity seemed to have improved its appeal. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's design prowess was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire roof surface. Despite being part of a crowded crossover SUV market, the Cherokee managed to stand out, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, maintained a classic design that had aged gracefully over its long production run. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were impressive, with a height of 77 inches, width of 79.9 inches, and length of 205.1 inches, riding on a 122-inch wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, the interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its overall appearance.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, catering to different performance needs. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered a more robust 271 horsepower. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, providing a balance of power and efficiency. Despite these options, the Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with 0 to 60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which improved fuel efficiency and performance. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control, making it a capable choice for adventurous drivers.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a single 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering durability and reliability. The Sequoia's truck-based design provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight of 5,730 to 6,000 pounds contributed to lower fuel economy, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities, especially in the TRD Pro model. Its robust construction and ample ground clearance made it suitable for various terrains.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a niche between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in terms of cargo space, offering only 26 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet, but the interior design was straightforward and businesslike, varying in quality depending on the trim level. Higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale features, such as suede seat inserts and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. The interior offered ample storage, including a large center console and glove compartment. The cargo area provided 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 120.1 cubic feet with both rear rows down. This made the Sequoia ideal for families and those needing significant cargo capacity.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee boasted an intuitive infotainment system with the Uconnect interface, available in 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreen sizes. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa. Remote start was available, adding convenience for drivers in various climates. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly design and consistent performance across Stellantis vehicles.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system lacked the modernity of competitors. The Sequoia did offer WiFi connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and optional premium audio features. However, its powertrain technology lagged behind industry trends, lacking turbocharging or electrification options. Toyota did update the Sequoia's exterior lighting to LED and included standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS but lacking a Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. The Cherokee offered standard advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Its robust construction and safety features made it a reassuring choice for families.