2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

In 2021, Jeep introduced two models of its beloved Grand Cherokee: the outgoing five-passenger two-row version earmarked for a 2022 redesign and the new seven-passenger 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. This fresh model wasn’t just an extended version of the old Grand Cherokee; it was based on the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, offering a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. One wonders why Jeep didn’t just label it as a 2022 to circumvent confusion.

Jeep banked on the Grand Cherokee L’s aesthetic appeal to drive sales, especially as it resembled a smaller version of the pricier Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, soon entering the market. The SUV's signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting made it instantly recognizable as a Jeep, looking superb across all available trims.

The 2021 Grand Cherokee L was available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. Our tested Summit trim vehicle boasted 4WD, metallic paint, the Advanced Pro Tech Group, the Luxury Tech Group, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system, accumulating to a hefty $64,770.

Despite the substantial price, some interior materials didn’t entirely justify the cost. Nonetheless, the Summit’s quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and packed technology offerings marked a significant improvement over the older model.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander sported a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and uniquely kicked-up third-row windows created an illusion of a smaller vehicle, but the spacious interior told a different story. Climbing inside revealed ample cabin space and smart storage solutions for family needs.

Our XSE test vehicle stood out with a vibrant red leather interior against a subdued navy-blue exterior, adding a touch of fun to its demeanor. This trim also featured distinctive exterior designs, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Highlander trims included L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The base L trim boasted 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, keyless entry, three-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The LE trim added practical features like LED fog lights, a smart key system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a power liftgate.

The XLE trim introduced silver roof rails, synthetic leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more. The XSE, aside from its unique styling elements, included 20-inch alloy wheels and a large mesh grille design. It also offered a $1,680 JBL premium stereo option for those looking for superior sound.

The upper trims, Limited and Platinum, brought upscale features such as high-output LED fog lights, heated and ventilated seats, genuine leather upholstery, and advanced safety systems, further enhancing the Highlander’s appeal.

Under the hood, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered RWD and three 4WD options, incorporating fuel-saving front-axle disconnect technology. The V6 engine provided a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving.

For an extra punch, a 5.7-liter V8 engine was available on Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims with 4WD only, producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This bumped the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reduced fuel economy to 17 mpg combined, adding $3,295 to the cost.

Our test vehicle had the V6 and 4WD combination, providing brisk acceleration though it was noisy when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well but showed reluctance in downshifting in Auto mode, likely to enhance fuel efficiency, which our tests revealed as an average of 17.8 mpg, below the expected figure.

Jeep offered a Sport mode, maintaining higher revs for longer durations, but it mostly improved ride motions through the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension. Off-road enthusiasts could enjoy Selec-Terrain modes, and the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system on the Summit included an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case.

The Quadra-Lift suspension allowed for variable ground clearance, up to 10.9 inches for off-road adventures and water fording up to 24 inches. The Grand Cherokee L demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, especially the Overland model equipped with the Off-Road Group.

During daily commuting, the Grand Cherokee L showcased a smooth ride and robust feel. While it felt a bit soft over uneven pavement, the Quadra-Lift air suspension managed body motions adeptly. Variable-ratio steering and 20-inch wheels enabled capable handling and ease of parking, complemented by a surround-view camera system.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either standard FWD or optional AWD. The transmission’s tap-shift function and some trims' paddle shifters complemented the drive-mode button for Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, as well as AWD-specific Mud/Sand and Rock modes.

The Highlander’s V6 displayed better pickup at higher speeds. While sufficient off the line, it truly shone when cruising or overtaking on highways, offering a throaty exhaust note. Our XSE model featured a sport-tuned suspension, balancing reduced body roll with a comfortable ride over bumps. The Highlander’s handling remained composed even through high-speed turns, aided by well-weighted steering.

When properly equipped, the Toyota Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, typical for its class, with a maximum payload of 1,685 pounds in FWD L and LE trims.

Comfort was a prime focus for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Summit trim offered heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were inadequately sized, leading to extended periods of loud fan noise and longer cooling times.

Captain’s chairs came standard in the second row, ensuring ample legroom and comfort. These chairs could slide forward, allowing third-row access without removing child safety seats. The third-row seats offered surprising comfort for adults, with large windows enhancing the view.

However, front-seat storage space was less practical. A storage console between the captain's chairs provided utility for second and third-row passengers. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats down, aided by a useful under-floor storage bin.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander, with its seats folded, provided up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second-row seats in use, there was 48.4 cubic feet, and with all seats deployed, it offered 16 cubic feet behind the third row. Quick-release latches facilitated seat lowering, and pull-straps on the third row seats helped lift them back up. Trims above the base L included a power liftgate, with Limited and Platinum trims featuring a hands-free version.

The base L trim came with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and savvy cockpit storage solutions, including deep cargo pockets, various dash ledges, and a spacious center console. The third row also had cupholders on each side, with the XSE trim offering second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing accessibility to the third row and providing space between occupants.

Jeep's Grand Cherokee L introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, promising five times faster response and an improved user experience. It came with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. The larger screen, part of our test vehicle, seamlessly integrated between the center air vents and climate controls. While some quirks existed, users quickly adapted.

Key features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, connected services like a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. Our test vehicle sported an optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, producing impressive sound, though the McIntosh logo felt out of place.

Additionally, Jeep provided a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system allowing focused checks on specific seating locations. The available head-up display worked well even for drivers with polarized sunglasses.

Toyota equipped the Highlander with a standard WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While lacking wireless connectivity for CarPlay/Android Auto, it featured a straightforward layout with supporting hard buttons. This blend of touch and physical controls offered an effortless user experience.

Our XSE model had a wireless charging pad and a mix of USB/USB-C ports. An optional 12.3-inch touchscreen was available but felt less intuitive than the base version. Additional features included a digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on system merging adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for extended highway driving. Although effective, it felt artificial in steering corrections and overly responsive during lane changes. Jeep planned to evolve this into a hands-free system by 2022.

Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected intersection cross-traffic threats, applying brakes if necessary. This innovation, combined with Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, showcased the Jeep’s advanced safety approach. Though crash-test ratings were unavailable during this review, expectations were high given the improvements over its predecessor.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense: forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view parking monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights.

Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems in the Highlander were highly active, sometimes feeling overly sensitive. Lane centering performed well at times but could be intrusive on winding roads, correcting more often than necessary.