2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an extended version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, adding 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase was also stretched by five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The additional length and mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep introduced the L first as a 2021 model, delaying the release of the two-row version until 2022. This design choice resulted in an elegant and recognizable Jeep, featuring the iconic seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. The lighting was modernized, and the paint finish and panel fit were significantly improved. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, with new exterior paint colors like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The design and tactile quality were comparable to a Mercedes, despite not sharing any parts. The interior layout was visually stimulating, even in all-black, and the lighter tan leather option added a touch of luxury. The attention to detail and contrast made the cabin comfortable and inviting, making it a premium choice for those willing to spend more.

The 2023 Toyota Venza was a midsize crossover SUV with a sleek and sculpted design, setting it apart from the boxy and upright vehicles typical in its class. Its shape, with a tapering rear roofline, avoided the weak appearance of other "coupe-like" SUVs. The contoured body was a departure from the typical Toyota design, with harmonious curves reminiscent of a Mazda, free from awkward side bulges around the rear wheels.

Inside, the Venza borrowed heavily from the Toyota RAV4, featuring a similar dashboard and center stack. However, it dressed up the cabin with nicer materials and details, such as integrated buttons for temperature control and more soft-touch surfaces. The materials felt more substantial than the vinyl-like coverings in more affordable Toyota models, approaching Lexus' level of luxury. Overall, the Venza was attractively styled inside and out, making it one of the best-looking vehicles in Toyota's lineup.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). A 48-volt hybrid system was available on Ram pickup trucks but not on the Grand Cherokee. However, the 4xe plug-in hybrid was a superior option, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The engine noise was noticeable, and the transmission's early upshifts didn't help. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better choice, offering a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel economy for the V6 was decent at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The 4xe plug-in hybrid's fuel economy estimates were not yet available.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided a range of ride height settings, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. The vehicle's driving modes, similar to Land Rover's, adjusted various systems for different terrains. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid system included electric motor/generators paired with a 1.6-kilowatt-hour nickel metal hydride battery pack. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sent power to the front wheels, while a separate electric motor powered the rear wheels for all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Venza's initial acceleration was provided by the electric motors, with the gasoline engine seamlessly blending in for additional power. It could reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, a respectable time for its class. The brakes, combining regenerative and physical braking, provided a smooth and seamless experience. The Venza prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, with light steering effort and adequate handling for easy and calm transportation. The ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's but not as plush as a similarly sized Lexus.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward graphics. The interface was sleeker and sharper, with physical switches for climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions. The central rotary shifter was easy to learn, and there was ample storage space, including a wireless phone charging bin and a large central cubby.

The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered plenty of space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat as an option. A panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports enhanced the cabin experience. However, the air vents were too small, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was quite loud.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats provided ample space for taller drivers and passengers, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. The Star Gaze panoramic roof could turn opaque at the touch of a button, although the fabric shade was more effective at blocking the sun. Outward visibility was excellent, but the roof pillar behind the driver could obstruct the view of the blind spot. The rear seats were spacious, with ample legroom and foot room, and the materials were as nice as those in the front seats.

The Venza's cargo capacity was limited to 28.8 cubic feet, significantly less than competitors like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Venza was not rated for towing, further limiting its utility. However, it excelled at holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of premium features, including multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of the next corner. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and two phones could be connected simultaneously. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers.

Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim came with a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, while lower trims had nine-speaker or six-speaker systems.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims had a 12.3-inch multimedia display. The new infotainment system offered sharp graphics, quick responses, and a logical menu structure. A Wi-Fi connection was available for a 30-day trial, with access to remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app. The top Limited trim included a one-year trial subscription to Drive Connect services, which functioned like a virtual navigator.

The base audio system had six speakers and satellite radio for a three-month trial period. A nine-speaker JBL premium audio system was available on the XLE trim and standard on the Limited model, offering improved sound quality with punchier bass.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Toyota Venza received five out of five stars in overall and side crash protection from the NHTSA, and four stars in frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it the highest score of "Good" in most categories, with an "Acceptable" rating in the new side impact test. It was named a Top Safety Pick. The Venza came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added features like front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror.