2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and reliable SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The 4Runner's interior was utilitarian, with hard plastics and an old-school dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons. While it lacked modern sophistication, it offered a sense of simplicity and durability that endeared it to its owners. The Trail Special Edition, with its unique features like a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket and a custom-made cooler, added a touch of adventure to the 4Runner's appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee presented a fresh and modern design, drawing inspiration from Jeep's heritage while incorporating contemporary elements. Its styling paid homage to the classic Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each providing a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. The Grand Cherokee's interior was a blend of quality materials and advanced technology, making it a more refined and upscale choice compared to the 4Runner.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system, making it a capable off-roader. The 4Runner excelled in challenging terrains, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel economy was also a drawback, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the engine. It featured three different 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Drive II system providing exceptional off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was impressive, with a nimble and athletic feel, especially compared to the larger Grand Cherokee L. The V6 engine was the preferred choice for its balance of performance and efficiency, while the V8 offered a thrilling driving experience at the cost of fuel economy.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom in the rear seats and supportive front seats. Its high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but the available running boards helped mitigate this issue. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with up to 89.7 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down. The sliding cargo deck was a practical feature, though it reduced overall cargo volume.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers available in higher trims. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence in various driving situations. While rear-seat legroom was tight for taller passengers, the Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Grand Cherokee L variant provided additional legroom and cargo capacity for those needing more space.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, enhancing the system's functionality. While the 4Runner's tech features were not cutting-edge, they were user-friendly and effective.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, equipped with the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It offered a range of features, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens for information and entertainment. The Grand Cherokee's infotainment system was responsive and customizable, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The optional front passenger interactive display added a unique element, allowing the passenger to assist the driver and enjoy their own entertainment options.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner's safety ratings were mixed, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist. The latter provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, enhancing the Grand Cherokee's safety credentials. The new Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of high-strength steel and aluminum, promising improved crash protection compared to its predecessor.