2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique sound and appearance. Aside from a "4xe" badge and blue accents, it looked much like a regular Wrangler, with the only notable difference being the power port at the windshield's base. When running on battery power alone, the SUV was nearly silent, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated Yosemite National Park. Our test vehicle, a Firecracker Red Rubicon with over $13,000 in options, was priced at $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look, with blue stitching and special PHEV gauges. The interior was practical, with controls laid out for functionality, and included features like a transmission shifter, emergency brake, and transfer-case lever. Despite its rugged simplicity, the Wrangler 4xe offered more soft-touch materials than expected, hinting at a slight upgrade in comfort.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner stayed true to its rugged roots, tracing back to the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its truck-like construction, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice wasn't due to stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. The 4Runner's adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and obstacle-approaching front bumper. Inside, the 4Runner's functional design was a reminder of its last redesign in 2009, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner offered various trims, each with unique features, from the basic SR5 to the off-road-ready TRD Pro and the road-oriented Limited. Our test vehicle, the Trail Special Edition, featured 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a Yakima cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck, among other amenities.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a powertrain based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It included two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, providing an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. When used as a hybrid, the EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. In Hybrid mode, it delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode allowed for gas-free driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its efficiency, averaging 20.8 mpg and covering 259.1 miles, with 47.9 of those miles on electric power. The Wrangler's regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery during downhill descents, enhancing overall efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, powered either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with low range. While the V6 provided a decent jump off the line, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, these ride qualities became strengths off-road, where the suspension absorbed rocks, bumps, and root beds effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. 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 Wrangler 4xe required some effort to climb into, especially for shorter passengers, due to its high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim. Once inside, the Wrangler offered a classic driving position with a high seat and clear view over the hood. The interior had limited practical storage, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and door panel netting. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo access was challenging due to the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window. The Wrangler provided 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The three-row model had 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third row was optional on select trims, increasing seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, with plenty of storage spaces, though it could be more efficient.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technological advancements were primarily related to its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. It featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system could overcome freeway wind noise. However, the Uconnect system showed its age in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and the dashboard's charging indicator lights were helpful for monitoring battery status.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While it lacked a larger screen option, navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available. The infotainment system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials surrounding the screen, making it easy to use, especially with gloves on. Though not the most advanced system, it covered the basics and relied on tactile controls, appealing to those who appreciated the 4Runner's near-analog driving style.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems bundled in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the Wrangler's narrow side mirrors. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated Marginal by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing from the NHTSA. The 2022 model had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.