2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L presented itself as a vehicle that exuded both elegance and distinction while maintaining the rugged identity synonymous with Jeep. The "L" in its name stood for long, an apt descriptor considering it stretched 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee to make room for a third row of seats. With an expanded wheelbase by five inches, it afforded more legroom in the second row and featured wider rear doors for better accessibility. This additional heft and length melded seamlessly into the vehicle's design, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear somewhat truncated in comparison. This perception was partly Jeep's responsibility, as they introduced the L first in 2021, delaying the two-row version until 2022.

The Grand Cherokee L’s distinguished look was achieved without sacrificing its identity. Key elements like the seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were unmistakably Jeep. Modern touches such as slimmer and brighter lighting highlighted the contemporary look, while improved paint finishes and panel fits elevated the vehicle's overall aesthetic. The design was universally appealing across all trim levels, from the base Laredo to the opulent Summit Reserve. High-end trims like the Summit and Summit Reserve featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, enhancing the luxury feel. New for 2022 were exterior colors: Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L took luxury to new heights. The combination of dual high-resolution screens, real wood trim, aluminum accents, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof justify its $20,000 price hike over a loaded Kia Telluride. The interior, reminiscent of a Mercedes’ quality and style, kept passengers entertained and comfortable with its detailed layout. The use of lighter tan leather necessitated extra caution, asking passengers to clean their hands before entering to maintain its pristine luxurious look.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a compact SUV look that adhered closely to the design introduced in 2019. Available in six trim levels, it catered to a wide range of preferences from the sub-$30,000 LE to the ventilated-seat sporting Limited. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, featuring a two-part face, stood out with their aggressive styling.

In our testing, the RAV4 Adventure trim featured blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and beefier black cladding around the wheel arches. However, it was more for show than substance. The Adventure had orange interior accents, which added a touch of vibrancy with striped seats and contrasting stitching. Additional touches like the frameless rearview mirror lent a premium feel to the otherwise functional interior.

The Adventure trim also offered a practical and convenient interior layout with a generous amount of storage spaces. Measures of head and legroom provided ample space for passengers, although it slightly trailed behind its competitors. A defined central console, cupholders, and a lever-style gear shifter enhanced its rugged aspiration.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was equipped with a choice of two engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. While the V6 engine delivered 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, it was somewhat underwhelming for a vehicle of this size and weight. The V6 required high revs to produce power, making the engine noise rather coarse and intrusive, especially under heavy acceleration.

On a more positive note, the Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a highlight. It offered a stellar ride composure and steering feel that was both taut and direct. The optional air suspension provided dynamic responses, ranging from pillow-soft cushioning to a memory foam-like firmness depending on the selected drive mode. The Grand Cherokee L's handling abilities surpassed even the high-performance Trackhawk version of its predecessor. The SUV offered five ride height settings, including an Access height for easier entry and exit, an Aero mode for enhanced efficiency, and two off-road modes for increased ground clearance.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a single gas engine: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4’s acceleration was adequate but not particularly exhilarating. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive were available, the latter adding a Snow Mode for better traction.

The RAV4 Adventure featured a similar suspension setup to other trims but included all-season tires rather than off-road-focused components. The TRD Off-Road trim took things further with all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension setup. However, the Adventure trim largely benefited from its aesthetic enhancements rather than off-road capabilities, resembling a stylish yet functional urban SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L invested in simplicity and practicality with its Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for sleek yet user-friendly graphics. Upper trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen, with dual-screen options for rear passengers, and smaller physical switches supplemented the system for essential controls. Interior space was generous across all three rows, accommodating adult passengers comfortably even in the third row. Second-row captain’s chairs provided a luxury feel, while an optional bench seat was available for a nominal fee. The Grand Cherokee L boasted a spacious cargo area, although the third-row seats limited the space slightly.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the rear, and legroom measuring 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the rear. While these measurements were competitive, the backseat was narrower than the Grand Cherokee L. The RAV4 presented practical storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing ample space for luggage and gear.

For 2022, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L included a range of advanced features, especially on upper trims. High-end trims boasted massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and the advanced Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect 5 system facilitated seamless connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supporting dual phone connections. New features included an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear passengers.

In contrast, for 2023, the Toyota RAV4 received a long-anticipated infotainment system upgrade, making it more competitive. A standard 8.0-inch touchscreen supported over-the-air updates, with higher trims featuring a 10.5-inch screen and upgraded JBL audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard features, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted a suite of standard safety features, including driver and passenger knee airbags, rear seat alert, trailer sway control, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. However, as of its release, it had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering an updated suite of driver-assistance features, including full-speed range adaptive cruise control. Safety features like lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams were standard. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, reflecting its strong performance in crash testing and safety equipment.