2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 increased cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its naming, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, especially with the arrival of the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. It was available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous luxury features, had a sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price, the overall design, including quilted leather and real wood trim, represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged after a hiatus, now built on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with models like the Avalon, Camry, and RAV4. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, the Venza had a modern exterior design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its most striking feature was the deeply scalloped body side, emphasizing power, and a tailgate with a horizontal LED stripe. The Venza's interior was equally elegant, with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats could comfortably accommodate three adults. The Venza's design was best suited for urban environments rather than off-road adventures.

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 four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L averaged 17.8 mpg during testing, below expectations. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, with easy parking aided by a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with drivers able to choose between EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, feeling maneuverable like the Camry despite its taller body and higher ground clearance. It was designed as a midsize family hauler, delivering a comfortable ride and performance suited to its purpose.

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. 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 was surprisingly 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 offered a storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, adequate for three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on XLE and Limited models. The Venza had numerous storage options, including a large glove compartment, four cupholders, and four bottle holders. The lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had little impact on cargo capacity, with 28.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Venza's cabin was designed to be a quiet oasis, with extensive sound-blocking and absorbing insulation.

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. The test vehicle had the larger screen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also had a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo didn't fit the interior's vibe. Additional 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 Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, with a tank of gas yielding over 500 miles. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used the navigation system to optimize battery charging based on driving habits. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa capability, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Both multimedia setups included Toyota Connected Services, with Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. The Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim included a head-up display, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a digital rearview mirror.

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. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. It also had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) group of driver aids included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.