2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring. It stood out among midsize SUVs and crossovers with its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille. The character line along its side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its distinctive look. The Highlander XSE trim, with its aggressive front end and 20-inch wheels, aimed to blend sportiness with practicality, though it leaned more towards luxury, especially in the Limited trim. The interior of the Limited trim was upscale, featuring tan leather seats, dark brown trim, and wood details, all contributing to a near-flawless fit and finish.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was rugged and ready for adventure. Based on the four-door Sport S trim, it featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Xtreme Recon package added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch BF Goodrich tires, and other off-road enhancements. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. The driving experience was unique, with a close driving position and a rough-and-tumble feel, making it memorable and unlike any other vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable family car. While it wasn't designed for drag races, it provided adequate power for highway merging. The Highlander Hybrid was also available for those seeking better fuel efficiency. The XSE trim added higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, and a rear stabilizer bar, enhancing the driving experience without turning it into a track beast.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was great for slippery roads. The Wrangler's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride, but it offered an immersive and adventurous feel, especially with the top and doors removed.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured large shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, a wireless charging pad, and plenty of legroom for second-row passengers. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was moved forward. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a more challenging entry and exit due to its raised suspension. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but had agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The tailgate was heavy due to the 35-inch spare wheel, requiring caution when opening.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited and Platinum trims. The system was easy to use, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was available but struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system was good but not overly impressive.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were part of the Cold Weather Group.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap and side-impact tests. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.