2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was distinguished by its elongated form. At 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, it accommodated a third row of seats and offered more second-row legroom via a wheelbase stretched by five inches. Jeep’s strategic move to introduce the L before the standard model meant the L appeared to be the norm, making the traditional version seem truncated. The design of the Grand Cherokee L was both elegant and distinctly Jeep, with a seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. Modernized slim lighting, superior paint finish, and panel fit elevated its appearance. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and chrome accents to complete the look. A range of new colors, including Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky, amplified the rugged charm.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L took luxury to a new level, leveraging real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. Dual high-resolution screens and a faux-suede roof created a premium environment. Despite being pricier than competitors like the Kia Telluride, it justified the cost with high-quality materials reminiscent of a Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner leaned on nostalgia with its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE). Built on the SR5 Premium trim, it featured retro body stripes, bronze wheels, badges, and seat stitching, giving it a 1970s flair. This aesthetic extended to the heritage grille and bronze interior accents. Available only in black, white, or red, with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE targeted customers who appreciated a retro touch. The 4Runner's design echoed traditional truck-based SUVs, providing strong visual appeal with a solid, purposeful interior. Despite prevalent use of plastic throughout the cabin, it came across as sturdy and of high quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine choices: a standard 3.6-liter V6 providing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a more robust 5.7-liter V8 delivering 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4xe plug-in hybrid variant, though untested, promised higher efficiency with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery, and two electric motors, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the V6 stood at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The V8, however, dropped to 14/22/17. The chassis, known for its stellar performance, offered ride composure and precise handling, backed by optional air suspension with five ride height settings.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a consistent 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Whether in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or upgrading to four-wheel drive (4WD), it offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy, irrespective of drivetrain, was a uniform 17 mpg combined. The 4Runner sported off-road enhancements, including locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. Performance off-highway impressed, especially with features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control, proving capable in harsh environments. On the road, the 4Runner’s steering and acceleration were less favorable, described as heavy and leisurely.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted an advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system with sleek, user-friendly graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo functions added to user convenience. The central rotary shifter was easy to master, complemented by ample storage solutions like a wireless phone charging bin and a spacious central cubby. While lower trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, higher trims upgraded to a 10.1-inch screen, though some graphic legibility issues were noted. The cabin offered ample space across all three rows, suitable for adults. However, small air vents struggled to provide adequate airflow, often necessitating a high, noisy fan speed.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's practical design included a unique power-down back window and sunroof for exceptional ventilation. While entering and exiting required effort for shorter individuals, once inside, the seats offered considerable comfort. The second row was spacious with good legroom and supportive seating. Though a third row was optional, it compromised cargo space and was less comfortable. The cargo area provided several storage solutions, a bumper seat, and a potential sliding floor option. Without the third-row seat option, the 4Runner offered a substantial 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s upper trims came with advanced features like multiple massage modes for the front seats, head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and support for two connected phones simultaneously. Optional additions included a 10.3-inch passenger touchscreen and dual 10.1-inch rear seat touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV. Standard safety technologies encompassed adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, with more advanced features available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more basic but effective. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with options for navigation and JBL premium sound. The system favored real knobs and buttons, ensuring usability even with gloves. While the display and graphics were somewhat dated, the voice recognition performed reliably. The infotainment’s home screen allowed simultaneous viewing of multiple functions, a feature lacking in newer Toyota systems.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS but came with standard safety features such as driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. It also incorporated numerous driver aids like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense, offering essential safety technologies like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Although its adaptive cruise control performed well, lane-departure warnings could be bothersome. However, the 4Runner had outdated safety ratings, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and marginal performance in specific crash tests.