2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its naming, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was expected to drive strong sales, especially with the arrival of the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. It was available in multiple trims, ranging from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices between $36,995 and $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, and several premium packages, had a window sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials and fittings didn't quite meet the high price point's scrutiny, the Summit's quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology were impressive. Overall, the redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged construction and close relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup, a nod to its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its off-road capabilities. Toyota's strategy allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of adventure-seekers, while the Highlander handled family-hauling duties. The 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road prowess. Inside, the 4Runner's functional design was a reminder of its last full redesign in 2009, with a dash layout that felt dated.

The 2022 4Runner was available in several trims, including SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited. Standard features on the SR5 included push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The three-row seating option was available for $805 on select trims. Our test vehicle, the Trail Special Edition, featured unique monotone paint, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a 40-quart premium accessory cooler. The TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims offered additional road-oriented and off-road features, respectively, while the TRD Pro and Limited trims added premium amenities and advanced off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. This upgrade added $3,295 to the price.

Our test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but becoming loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged just 17.8 mpg on our testing loop, below expectations. The Sport driving mode held revs too high for too long, while the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension improved ride motions. Off-road modes included Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Summit's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system featuring an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting.

The Quadra-Lift suspension provided 8.3 inches of ground clearance in Normal mode, with two Off-Road settings raising it to 10.9 inches and offering 24 inches of water fording capability. Maximum approach, breakover, and departure angles were 30.1, 22.6, and 23.6 degrees, respectively. The Overland model with the Off-Road Group was the only Trail Rated version for maximum off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, with variable-ratio steering and large 20-inch wheels. The surround-view camera system and tight turning circles made parking easy, while the cabin remained relatively quiet on the highway.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or available 4WD with low range. The dated V6 engine provided decent acceleration but felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the suspension absorbed rocks, bumps, and root beds effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential, with an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved handling on and off the trail.

When properly equipped, the 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers but less than a typical compact pickup.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system with air vents in all three rows. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third-row seat was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view.

The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console between the captain's chairs. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, with a useful storage bin underneath the load floor. Folding the third-row seat down provided 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with a maximum volume of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model provided 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, with 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on the SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited models, increasing seating capacity from five to seven.

The 4Runner did not have a power rear liftgate, but it featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. The cabin packaging felt dated, with less efficient use of space compared to more modern SUVs. However, there were still plenty of storage spaces for gear.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with two touchscreen sizes: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, which offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system sounded terrific, especially for bass enthusiasts, though the logo felt out of place in the interior.

Depending on the trim level, the Grand Cherokee L also offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The available head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While it lacked a larger screen option, it offered navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials for easy use, especially when wearing gloves. However, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the steering assist felt artificial. The system was expected to become hands-free in the 2022 model year. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, such as forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The TRD Pro also had an off-road camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It had not yet been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.