2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with opinions mellowing over time. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were initially polarizing, they became more accepted after seven years. The Cherokee's proportions improved, especially when compared to its initial release. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, covering the entire top surface. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded crossover SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, particularly from the front.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident, with the Sienna evolving through four generations since its debut in 1998. The latest Sienna featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with 17-inch wheels on base models, and up to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage throughout. The second and third rows provided comfortable, roomy seating, with available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row could be easily stored away, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus trims came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The mid-tier engine was a 3.2-liter V-6, delivering 271 hp. The top-tier engine was a 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite these options, none provided outstanding acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 seconds for the V6 and 7.4 seconds for the turbo-four. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities were notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which included features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in FWD, making it more affordable for rental fleets.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth and efficient power delivery, with four selectable drive modes. The TNGA platform contributed to better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and comfortable highway cruising. The Sienna's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was located under the front seats and came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the bottom of its class. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting satisfaction. The Latitude trim featured basic rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading luggage and freight. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience, making it easier to access the vehicle with hands full.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. The system was available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both screens were responsive and easy to use. The Cherokee supported wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience in various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis vehicles, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard on all trims, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi wireless phone charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on XLE and above. Higher trims also featured a color multi-information display and an optional digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category and a G+ score for LATCH child seat anchors. The headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and others "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the cargo space for safety and convenience.