2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers, giving it a distinctive presence. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna, making it mechanically similar to these vehicles.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. Its wheelbase was also extended by five inches, providing more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, enhancing its elegant appearance.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and high revs, the transmission struggled to keep up, leading to a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the "Sport" driving mode only added weight to the steering without improving performance. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 engine struggled to provide sufficient power for the heavy vehicle, while the V8 offered a more robust performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights and improved handling. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, was also available, offering emissions-free 4WD.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4's tall, upright roof provided ample headroom in both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors, and the rear seats were less comfortable for long trips. The cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, but still behind the Honda CR-V. The interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, making it easy to use even with gloves on. However, the center-console storage was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured sleek graphics and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small and struggled to direct sufficient airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited model featured an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered a 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, and the gasoline RAV4 lacked a head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers were available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.