2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee continued the legacy of its predecessors by embracing Jeep's design traditions. Consumers familiar with Jeep's line-up might have experienced a sense of déjà vu upon encountering this model. This was partly due to the Jeep Grand Cherokee ticking all the boxes of signature Jeep design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Additionally, the Grand Cherokee was available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, with prices starting from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding the $1,795 destination charge.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee echoed the design and feel of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L but focused more on luxury and comfort as you ascended through the trim levels. The Summit Reserve trim, for instance, offered premium leather, a high-end McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof, ensuring a luxurious driving experience. Despite its similarities with the Grand Cherokee L, the new model showcased its distinctiveness by drawing inspiration from the 1963 Wagoneer, thus blending nostalgia with modern design.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 evolved from its humble beginnings in the mid-1990s into a sophisticated and matured crossover SUV. By 2022, the RAV4 reflected the modern trends of crossover design, characterized by angular wheel arches and an assertive front fascia. What set the RAV4 apart was its unique anthropomorphic front, reminiscent of Kabuki theater, which gave it a playful yet aggressive demeanor. Toyota maintained its excellent fit-and-finish reputation, ensuring high-quality exterior aesthetics.

Inside the RAV4, consumers found a thoughtfully designed interior with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a practical center stack. The cabin featured design elements inspired by a circuit-board pattern, giving it a distinct and cohesive feel throughout. The Adventure trim, tested, underscored practicality and style with a layered dashboard and specially designed seat inserts, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered an array of powertrain options, including rear-wheel drive (RWD), four-wheel drive (4WD), and a choice between a V6 and V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 5.7-liter V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. These specifications allowed the Grand Cherokee to tow between 6,200 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

Jeep provided three distinct 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying degrees of off-road capabilities. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road performance with its Quadra-Drive II system, electronic locking rear differential, and Quadra-Lift air suspension. Despite its off-road prowess, its firm suspension and distinctive tire noise were trade-offs for those who primarily drove on paved roads. The V6 engine was favored for its balance of power and fuel efficiency, with our tests showing an average of 17 to 21.3 mpg, depending on conditions.

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options: gasoline-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (Prime). The gasoline engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, generated 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with AWD, these models delivered an average of 25-30 mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 217 horsepower and achieving an impressive 40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime, the standout performer, provided 302 horsepower and up to 42 miles on electric power alone, with an overall efficiency of 94 MPGe.

Our test vehicle, a gasoline AWD Adventure model, showcased the RAV4's driving dynamics with its smooth power delivery and lack of turbo lag. The eight-speed automatic transmission enhanced driving comfort and responsiveness. The RAV4's suspension offered a car-like feel with responsive handling, reinforced by features like dynamic torque vectoring and fuel-saving rear-driveline disconnect in AWD models.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of interior amenities that increased in luxury with higher trims. From the basic but comfortable Laredo to the plush Summit Reserve, every model emphasized comfort and quality. The panoramic sunroof and improved visibility were notable highlights. However, rear-seat legroom remained tight, especially for taller passengers. Cargo capacity stood at 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it versatile for everyday use.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while still a small SUV, boasted a generous cargo capacity of 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet when folded. Its higher tow ratings and payload capacities in certain trims, such as 3,500 pounds for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, made it a practical choice for more demanding tasks. Inside, the RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, with ample storage and convenient features like numerous cupholders and hidden compartments.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee dazzled with its array of tech features, including a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard with an 8.4-inch display and upgradeable to a 10.1-inch screen, offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a high-end McIntosh audio system were among the highlights. The front passenger interactive display added a unique element, providing entertainment options and driver assistance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featuring the Audio Plus system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 9-inch display in higher trims. Standard tech included six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced tech, including an 11-speaker JBL audio system, multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The emphasis on practical and user-friendly technology made the RAV4 a tech-savvy choice.

Jeep equipped the 2022 Grand Cherokee with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for Level 2 autonomous driving. The structure's high-strength steel and aluminum composition aimed to improve crash protection, though the new model's crash-test performance remained to be seen. The introduction of hands-free driving for certain conditions in 2022 marked a significant technological leap.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota's Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 added features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Upper trims offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The RAV4 earned high safety ratings, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star rating from NHTSA.