2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695.

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 fell short of expectations at this price point, the Summit's quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology were impressive. Overall, the redesigned interior marked a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued to embrace its minivan identity, despite the SUV trend. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's evolution from the original Van in 1984 to the innovative Previa and the first Sienna in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, aimed to blend SUV styling with minivan practicality. Its assertive profile, re-engineered door hinges, and integrated rear fender details gave it a modern look. Standard 17-inch wheels on base models could be upgraded to 18-inch or 20-inch wheels on higher trims.

Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered front cabin design and ample storage throughout. The second and third rows offered comfortable, roomy seating, with available second-row captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third-row 60/40-split bench easily stored away into the floor, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row. The Sienna's interior was designed with family convenience in mind, featuring numerous storage cubbies and cupholders.

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 featured the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but becoming loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. Despite averaging just 17.8 mpg on our testing loop, the Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and various off-road modes, including Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, ensured it could handle challenging terrain. The Summit's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system included an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting.

The Quadra-Lift suspension offered 8.3 inches of ground clearance in Normal mode, with two Off-Road settings raising it to 10.9 inches and providing 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, while the surround-view camera system and tight turning circle made it easy to park. On the highway, the SUV's on-center steering feel was secure, and the cabin remained relatively quiet, except during acceleration or when running the air conditioning on hot days.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor driving the rear wheels, eliminating mechanical complexity. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport.

The Sienna's handling was better than expected for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform's front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. Body roll was minimal, and the Sienna Hybrid provided a comfortable and efficient highway ride. The EPA estimated FWD Sienna Hybrid models could achieve 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway/36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35 mpg city/35 mpg highway/35 mpg combined.

Toyota positioned the Sienna's 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack under the front seats in a single stack design, with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with its 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 in hot weather. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view.

The Grand Cherokee L's practical storage space was limited for front-seat occupants, though 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 increased cargo capacity to 46.9 cubic feet, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 84.6 cubic feet.

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, with cargo measurements of 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 maximum towing capacity.

The standard 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, and each row had storage cubbies and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, which integrated well with the dashboard. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with 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 delivered excellent sound quality, especially for bass enthusiasts. Other available features included 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 head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard in all grades, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports throughout the cabin. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect with up to 2 gigabytes of data.

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 was available on XLE and above, featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display, a remote, and two wireless headphones. The instrument panel included a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch head-up display available on Platinum trim models. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard, upgraded to Smart Key System on XLE and above trims.

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 system worked well, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more sudden than expected. For the 2022 model year, Active Driving Assist was set to become a hands-free system. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.

Crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Grand Cherokee L at the time of review, but it was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's aged structure and engineering.

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 the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the wall of the cargo space for safety and convenience.