2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 much like a regular Wrangler, with the only notable difference being the power port at the base of the windshield. When the battery had enough charge, the Wrangler 4xe moved silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated Yosemite National Park. The interior retained the classic Wrangler look, with blue seat stitching and special gauges for the PHEV powertrain. Despite its rugged design, it offered more soft-touch materials than expected, including leather seats and padded door panels. The controls were functionally laid out, with robust grab handles hinting at its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, rode on the proven TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 65.9 inches in height, it had a modern design with excellent proportions, fitting comfortably into the Lexus lineup. The Venza's interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a layered dash that took advantage of the steep windshield. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats could comfortably accommodate three adults. The available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof added to the cabin's spacious feel.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 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, 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 averaged 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 of those miles on electricity.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. It balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with drivers able to choose electric-only operation for short distances or select among Normal, Eco, and Sport drive 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. It wasn't designed for aggressive cornering but delivered a comfortable ride and performance suitable for a midsize family hauler.

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 Jeep offered a comfortable driving position with clear visibility. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever, 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 rear seats folded. The swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window could make loading cargo difficult in tight spaces.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom in both. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin featured numerous convenience items, including an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had minimal impact on cargo capacity, offering 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin a quiet oasis, adding sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technological advancements centered on 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 and blue charging indicator lights provided helpful information about charging status.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it ideal for drivers without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza featured a Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package offered a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems 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 rating from the NHTSA.

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 had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, 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.