2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to blending heritage with modernity. The iconic seven-slot grille made a return, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The design evoked nostalgia with a forward rake reminiscent of the Wagoneer. Available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, the 4xe offered a range of trims, including the Overland, which featured luxurious touches like leather seats and wood accents. Despite its upscale feel, the interior had a noticeable amount of hard plastic, raising concerns about durability over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 Premium trim, embraced a retro aesthetic with body stripes and bronze accents. It exuded a strong Southern California vibe, appealing to those nostalgic for the 1970s. The 4Runner maintained its truck-based SUV stance, offering a purposeful interior with solid plastic materials and user-friendly controls. While it lacked the plushness of the Grand Cherokee, it provided a rugged charm that resonated with its audience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 400-volt battery pack to deliver 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This setup surpassed the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8. The 4xe boasted a 56 MPGe rating and a total driving range of 470 miles, with 25 miles of all-electric range. It featured two off-road systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, its towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was supported by features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Various trims provided additional off-roading enhancements, such as Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. Despite its rugged capabilities, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, offered ample space for passengers. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 to 70.8 cubic feet. The air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, aiding in loading and unloading. Despite the Texas heat during testing, the heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder climates.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down rear window, enhancing ventilation. While entry required effort for shorter individuals, the seats were comfortable, with the 40 ASE model offering SofTex artificial leather. The second row provided good legroom and amenities like USB ports. A third-row option was available but compromised cargo space. Without it, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe impressed with its Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options and a 10.25-inch digital driver display. The McIntosh stereo system, available on higher trims, delivered exceptional audio quality. Optional rear-seat entertainment screens added to the tech appeal.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system, though dated, was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons. Voice recognition performed well, despite limitations with certain commands.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like intersection-collision assist and night vision. However, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with lower scores for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.