2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Toyota’s designers previously aimed to revamp the minivan image with the 2021 Sienna Hybrid, focusing on a more SUV-like appearance. They utilized a wide grille to emphasize width, accompanied by horizontal LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel housing the iconic Toyota logo. The Sienna’s stance was assertive from the side, with well-designed sliding doors sculpted to bulge over the rear wheels. Alloy wheel options ranged from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. At the rear, the Sienna boasted a large window while maintaining a wide and low look. Toyota’s superior fit and finish were evident throughout the exterior.

Internally, the Sienna displayed an emphasis on horizontal lines, thereby widening its look. The seating position was higher than a sedan but not as commanding as a full-size SUV, offering a balanced ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with essential controls located around the upper part of the center stack. The practical center console connected the dash and storage area, featuring a gear selector lever, cup holders, and a large storage compartment beneath the armrest. Toyota’s attention to detail extended to the materials used, ensuring a pleasing tactile experience.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee retained traditional Jeep design elements while taking stylistic cues from the original 1963 Wagoneer. This included the seven-slot grille design, forward-leaning grille and headlights, a leveled beltline, and distinctive rear roof pillars. Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee with varying trims such as Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, each promising a distinct appeal from simplicity to luxury.

Some versions offered a contrasting black roof and initially, a limited palette of paint colors was available, with more options to be added later. The Grand Cherokee’s interior ranged from basic in Laredo trim with cloth seats to luxurious in the Summit Reserve featuring premium leather, advanced audio systems, and a panoramic sunroof. Jeep’s effort in improving visibility was apparent, creating better sightlines and camera technology to instill driver confidence. However, rear-seat space for tall adults was somewhat constrained, and while durable, the seatback plastic trim wasn’t particularly comfortable.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid heralded Toyota’s entry into the hybrid minivan market with a tried-and-true powertrain. The Sienna combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The standard drivetrain was front-wheel drive (FWD), with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) available across trims. AWD employed an electric motor driving the rear wheels, offering 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque, simplifying its mechanical complexity.

Toyota equipped the Sienna with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), focusing on fuel efficiency rather than sporty performance. Despite its softer throttle response and a droning acceleration, the Sienna offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport, with Sport being marginally livelier. The handling was notably improved with a new TNGA suspension and steering setup, culminating in an overall smooth and comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD models.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a variety of powertrain options with either 2WD or 4WD, and the choice between a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 generated 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, sufficient for a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The optional 5.7-liter V8 on higher trims produced 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. The Trailhawk trim featured off-road enhancements such as an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive suspension, highlighting Jeep’s off-road capabilities. Depending on the trim, the Grand Cherokee employed an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied from 17 mpg combined with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6 and 2WD, aligning with Jeep's off-roading emphasis while maintaining respectable on-road performance.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna prioritized convenience, a must in the minivan market. It featured a third-row 60/40-split bench that folded seamlessly into the floor. The sliding second row, which moved up to 25 inches, facilitated easy access to the third row. Ample storage space, including 16 cupholders distributed throughout all rows, enhanced the minivan’s family-friendly design. The cargo capacity was impressive, capable of accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Depending on the seating arrangement, cargo volume ranged from 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, to 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row.

For the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, interior comfort varied with trim levels, from the base Laredo with comfortable cloth seats to the luxurious Summit Reserve with premium leather and massaging front seats. The redesign aimed to improve visibility, successfully enhancing driver situational awareness. However, the rear-seat space was tight for tall adults, and the cargo capacity was less compared to the Sienna, offering 37.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came loaded with technology. Standard features included a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity options spanned Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect trials, plus an available AT&T WiFi Connect trial. Higher trims boasted a Premium Audio + JBL system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a host of driver-centric technologies like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror.

Jeep’s 2022 Grand Cherokee didn’t lag in tech offerings. It included an extensive array of advanced systems such as head-up display, Night Vision, and a plethora of interior touchscreens. Uconnect 5 infotainment system promised enhanced responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Trims featured either an 8.4 or 10.1-inch touchscreen, with higher trims also offering a 10.25-inch passenger display. The Grand Cherokee also came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a high-end McIntosh audio system, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

Toyota equipped the 2021 Sienna Hybrid with its comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and an adjustable tire pressure monitoring system. The Sienna’s crash-test ratings were pending for 2021, but past models had fared well with “Good” ratings in most IIHS categories and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee incorporated advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) extensively. Jeep’s use of high-strength steel and aluminum enhanced the Grand Cherokee’s structural integrity. New features like Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities, set a high safety standard. Future updates promised a hands-free driving system. Jeep’s historic struggle with crash tests left room for speculation, but the redesigned structure aimed to improve safety results significantly.