2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic status with a design that had remained largely unchanged over the years. Its distinctive features, such as circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges, made it instantly recognizable. The Wrangler's rugged appearance, reminiscent of a toy truck for adults, appealed to those seeking a unique driving experience. Despite variations in trim levels, the core elements of the Wrangler's design ensured it stood out on the road. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized function over comfort, with an upright seating position, limited legroom, and manual seat adjustments. For enthusiasts, these characteristics added to its charm rather than detracting from it.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 evolved from its origins as a "cute-ute" into a mature crossover SUV. Its exterior design, while fitting in with contemporary crossover aesthetics, featured angular wheel arches and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a user-friendly center stack. The design incorporated unique elements like a circuit-board-inspired pattern, adding a touch of sophistication. Overall, the RAV4's design and build quality reflected Toyota's commitment to creating a refined and versatile vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and the powerful Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, such as Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, catered to off-road enthusiasts, with features like front-and-rear locking differentials and a disconnectable front sway bar. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine delivering 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transformed the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse, complete with a beefed-up frame and dual-mode performance exhaust.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 hp and impressive fuel economy ratings of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, with 302 hp and a 42-mile electric range, offered a balance of power and efficiency. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by its four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, combining convenience with the open-air Jeep experience. Inside, the Wrangler's cabin was functional, with limited storage options but practical features like drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though the design made it challenging to fit larger items.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models rated for varying towing capacities. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating and numerous storage options. The front row offered generous legroom and headroom, while the second row could accommodate three passengers, albeit with limited comfort for the middle seat.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim level. The base Sport model featured a basic 5-inch screen, while higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for enhanced trail visibility. The Wrangler's infotainment system was intuitive, with radio toggles on the steering wheel for easy operation.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime offered advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The RAV4's technology package provided a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, these features were not standard, and the Wrangler lacked lane-departure warning. A backup camera with dynamic guidelines was included, along with a live tire-pressure monitoring system for off-roading.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and parking assist. The RAV4 received high safety ratings, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.