2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander broke away from the generic design language of many midsize SUVs and crossovers. Shoppers couldn't accuse it of being bland, thanks to its wide headlights, a long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille. Toyota added a character line similar to the Supra's profile, enhancing its visual appeal, while the taillights drew inspiration from Lexus models. The Highlander XSE trim, introduced for 2021, added a sporty edge with a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels, and a unique front fascia and spoiler. The Limited trim, which we reviewed, was decked out in chrome accents and a luxurious interior featuring tan leather seats with dark brown trim and wooden accents—albeit synthetic.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted a more traditional and rugged design, reminiscent of Jeep’s heritage. It featured the classic seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, inspired by the 1963 Wagoneer. The shorter, sportier two-row Grand Cherokee shared its design with its larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee L. Various trims from Laredo to Summit Reserve offered different aesthetics and functionalities. The Trailhawk trim stood out with its off-road-focused gear. Jeep also introduced a black roof option and assured more paint color options in the future. Inside, the Grand Cherokee presented a sense of quality from the base Laredo’s basic cloth seats all the way up to the sumptuous quilted leather of the Summit Reserve.

Potential buyers of the 2021 Toyota Highlander found a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Whether in front-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration, the Highlander offered commendable power for everyday driving. While the XSE trim attempted to inject sportiness with suspension tuning and appearance tweaks, the Highlander remained a family-oriented crossover. It wasn’t built for speed but provided a smooth and predictable driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered more versatility with its powertrain options. Customers could choose between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a more robust 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, bumping towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee also provided three different 4WD systems—Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and the sophisticated Quadra-Drive II—catering to different levels of off-road capabilities. The Trailhawk trim showcased Jeep’s off-road prowess with features like an electronic locking rear differential, a Quadra-Lift air suspension, and specialized driving modes for varied terrains.

Three-row crossovers like the 2021 Toyota Highlander emphasized passenger comfort and cargo space. Shelves ahead of the front seats, accommodating large cell phones and charging cords, were a standout feature. While second-row passengers enjoyed generous legroom, the third row was best suited for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row provided 16 cubic feet but expanded to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down. However, the Highlander’s rear-seat climate vents were oddly positioned on the ceiling, potentially uncomfortable for middle-row passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though a two-row SUV, also excelled in comfort and cargo accommodations. Front passengers enjoyed enhanced visibility and comfort, especially in higher trims with heated and ventilated seats, massagers, and more. The Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet when folded down. Taller passengers might have found rear-seat legroom tight compared to the Grand Cherokee L, which provided more space. The L model, with its larger cargo capacity, further emphasized Jeep's dedication to practicality.

The technology suite in the 2021 Toyota Highlander varied by trim. Lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim offered an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard on the Platinum trim. Navigation was an extra feature but sometimes fell short when searching for points of interest. However, the infotainment system was user-friendly, supported by standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen provided vibrant visuals, and the JBL audio system, while good, didn’t stand out.

In the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, technology took a leap forward. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard across trims, offered remarkable responsiveness and over-the-air updates. The base Laredo came with an 8.4-inch display, while higher trims boasted 10.1-inch touchscreens. The Grand Cherokee also featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a variety of connected services. A head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple interior touchscreens, including an optional 10.25-inch passenger display, highlighted Jeep’s tech savvy. The McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV integration added to the high-tech appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assists. This comprehensive safety suite earned it high safety ratings: a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee also packed an array of advanced driver assistance systems. The SUV’s construction included significant use of aluminum and high-strength steel, promoting durability and safety. Intersection Collision Assist, Active Driving Assist with semi-autonomous driving, and a future hands-free driving version, demonstrated Jeep’s commitment to safety technology. While crash-test ratings were pending, the underlying improved structure and advanced safety features promised better crash protection for the new Grand Cherokee.