2022 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner could trace its roots back to the SUV craze in the 1980s when rugged construction was paramount. Unlike most SUVs that had evolved to more car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its rugged essence, never straying from its relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Toyota appeared not to be stubborn by keeping the 4Runner the way it was; rather, the automaker seemed to consciously recognize that it had the family-oriented three-row Highlander in its lineup, allowing the 4Runner to cater to niche adventurers who actually ventured off-road. Few vehicles wore their sense of adventure as openly as the 4Runner. From its high ride height and boxy proportions to the sharply angled front bumper designed for overcoming obstacles, the 4Runner screamed function over form. Internally, practicality continued to reign supreme, although some elements dated back to the late 2000s, reminding occupants that the vehicle had last been fully redesigned in 2009. Available trims were SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the SR5 featuring amenities like push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Trail Special Edition we drove boasted 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a unique monotone paint, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck. The “Lunar Rock” paint seemed an instant favorite. For those needing more road-oriented features, the TRD Sport included 20-inch alloy wheels and an X-REAS performance suspension. In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L distinguished itself with an elongated body to accommodate a third-row of seats. This added 11.4 inches in length over the regular Grand Cherokee and stretched the wheelbase by five inches, enhancing second-row legroom and widening rear doors. The extra length integrated seamlessly into its design, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated by comparison. Jeep introduced this model first as a 2021 and waited nearly a year to release the two-row version as a 2022 model. The Grand Cherokee L's elegant design was unmistakably Jeep with its seven-slot rectangular grille and blunt front end, though modern touches like slimmer, brighter lighting were added. From the base Laredo to the loaded Summit Reserve, all trims exuded an air of quality, with new exterior paint colors such as Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky. The interior featured plush materials like quilted Nappa leather and real wood, delivering a Mercedes-like ambiance in both style and tactile quality.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, regardless of trim, came equipped with a single 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Though dated, this V6 was known for its reliability. It was coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels or an optional 4WD system. The 4Runner's ride was often described as harsh and cumbersome, marked by significant body roll and jostling over road imperfections. However, off-paved roads, these criticisms faded as the suspension excelled in absorbing rough terrain. Key features of the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential, while an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System boosted both on-road and off-road handling. Towing capacity maxed out at 5,000 pounds. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, available with either RWD or 4WD. Despite the V6 engine's decent power, it felt insufficient for this hefty vehicle. High engine revs and transmission issues marred the driving experience. We found the V8 to be a more satisfying option. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the V6 stood at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 offered a lower 14/22/17. The chassis of the Grand Cherokee L shone, presenting stellar ride composure and steering feel, further enhanced by an optional air suspension capable of adjusting ride height across multiple settings. Towing capacities were 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds for 4WD models.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, in its two-row configuration, offered a commendable 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, decreasing slightly to 88.8 cubic feet with the optional third row. The two-row version provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats in use, while the three-row variant offered 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and a minimal 9 cubic feet behind the third. Although the 4Runner was not available with a power rear liftgate, it featured a unique power-open/close rear window, enhancing stowage convenience despite its aging cabin design which felt spatially inefficient compared to modern SUVs. Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's interior integrated straightforward graphics for its Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. Lower trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while upper trims like Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space across all rows, accommodating adults in the third row for extended periods. Features like a sweeping panoramic roof and ample USB ports elevated comfort on long journeys. Notably, the air vents appeared small and less effective, necessitating a high fan setting that was quite loud.

Standard in the 2022 Toyota 4Runner was an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by hard buttons and dials, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades. Though not the most advanced system on the market, the 4Runner's tactile controls suited those who appreciated its analog driving style. However, features like head-up displays were notably absent. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with a plethora of high-end tech features, particularly in upper trims. These included 16-way power adjustable front seats with multiple massage modes, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, and a crystal-clear 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect 5 system allowed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to connect wirelessly, accommodating two phones simultaneously. A 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch rear-seat touchscreens were new for 2022, with additional features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Summit trims included automated parking, front cross-traffic alerts, and various other driver aids.

Despite its age, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner remained relevant from a safety perspective through the Toyota Safety Sense suite. It included standard forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system required extra payment. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from NHTSA but only three stars for rollover testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not yet evaluated the 2022 model. Toyota backed the 4Runner with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or the IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert system, trailer sway control, and a variety of driver aids. Advanced driving assists and optional safety packages were available on higher trims.