2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was cloaked in Magnetic Gray paint and featured Terra semi-aniline premium leather upholstery. From the outside, it bore a resemblance to a first-generation Toyota Highlander, albeit with oversized headlights and a chrome-laden exterior. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design elements, offering plush materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The overall experience was akin to a journey back in time, capturing a bygone era of SUV design and functionality.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler presented a more rugged and customizable experience. Buyers had to choose between a two-door or four-door model, with a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels, with numerous special editions like the High Tide model, which featured a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and a host of off-road enhancements. The Wrangler's design emphasized open-air driving, with options for removable tops and doors, creating a unique and immersive driving experience that appealed to adventure seekers.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a refined driving experience. The Land Cruiser's full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case and Torsen limited-slip differential, ensured exceptional off-road capability. It featured mud-and-snow tires, a full-size spare, and advanced traction control systems like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. The SUV's suspension system, including the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), provided maximum wheel articulation, making it adept at conquering challenging terrains. On the road, the Land Cruiser offered a smooth, Lexus-like ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight required some effort when maneuvering.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid system, produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system enhanced its performance in adverse weather conditions. Despite an EPA rating of 21 mpg, the Wrangler averaged 16.8 mpg during testing, reflecting its off-road modifications. The Wrangler's driving experience was characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and bumpy ride, but these traits were part of its charm. The Wrangler's open-air design allowed drivers to connect with their surroundings, making it a unique and exhilarating vehicle for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior exuded luxury with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The SUV offered a commanding view of the road, with a spacious second-row bench and a standard third-row seat. The Land Cruiser's four-zone automatic climate control system and 28 air vents ensured comfort for all passengers. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, but folding the seats expanded it to 82.8 cubic feet. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's interior was more utilitarian, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. The raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The Wrangler's driving position required acclimation, and visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views and others obstructed by the spare tire. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but enjoyed a good view once seated. Cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The tailgate's heavy 35-inch spare tire required caution when opening.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. While it lacked modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered straightforward controls with large buttons and knobs. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was dated, but a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features, the basic setup met most needs. The Wrangler included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Land Cruiser lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, and crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite these features, the Wrangler received mediocre safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required careful driving.