2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a bold statement with its appearance and sound. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it looked like a regular Wrangler, with the only noticeable difference being the power port at the windshield's base. When the battery had enough charge, the SUV moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which turned heads as it cruised through Yosemite National Park. Our Firecracker Red test vehicle, equipped with Rubicon trim and over $13,000 in options, had a price tag of $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained its rugged, hose-me-out look, with blue seat stitching and special PHEV gauges. The controls were functionally laid out, and the interior, though simple, was better outfitted than previous Wranglers.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, evolved significantly from its 1996 debut. The latest iteration, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped U.S. SUV sales charts. While its exterior styling blended with other crossovers, details like angular wheel arches and expressive headlights set it apart. The interior featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and a well-placed touchscreen interface. Our Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern throughout the cabin, tying the design together. The RAV4's fit-and-finish elevated its overall quality, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 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, reaching 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode allowed for gas-free driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe covered 757 miles, averaging 19.1 mpg, with 120.9 miles on electricity.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) models achieved 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while all-wheel drive (AWD) models were slightly less efficient. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 217 horsepower and achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 horsepower, a 42-mile electric range, and an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe. Our gasoline Adventure AWD test vehicle delivered smooth power and responsive handling, with three drive modes to tailor performance. The RAV4's car-like handling and four-wheel independent suspension made it a popular choice among drivers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. However, once inside, the Wrangler offered a comfortable driving position with clear visibility. The center console's storage was limited, but rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window could be inconvenient in tight spaces, but they added to the Wrangler's charm.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided ample interior space, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 comfortably accommodated four adults, with plenty of legroom, headroom, and storage options. The second-row bench seat could fit five passengers in a pinch, though the middle seat was less desirable. The RAV4's practical design and spacious interior made it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured an 8.4-inch 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 provided decent audio quality, though it struggled against wind noise. The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Wrangler 4xe also had helpful charging indicator lights and a Trip Summary data panel displaying charging time estimates.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured advanced technology, including five USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, blue ambient illumination, a wireless charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display. The RAV4's tech offerings catered to modern drivers' needs, making it a well-equipped choice.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while its frontal-impact protection for the driver was also rated Marginal. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. It also featured LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The RAV4 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA five-star ratings.