2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This approach allowed the 4Runner to maintain its off-road prowess, appealing to those who ventured off the beaten path. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all designed for tackling obstacles, while the interior, though functional, showed its age with a dash layout dating back to 2009.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by over a foot, without losing its iconic style. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels, giving it a bold appearance. The interior of upper trims was luxurious, with black leather, gold stitching, and matte-finish light walnut accents. Despite some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather, the overall feel was justified for a $70,000 vehicle. The Grand Cherokee L combined traditional Jeep elements with modern touches like slim LED lighting and integrated exhaust tips, creating a clean and enduring look.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This dated engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, felt underwhelming in most driving situations but was reliable and provided a decent jump off the line. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough ride over bumps. However, off-road, the suspension excelled, effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was its weakest element. The engine felt outdated and lacked low-end torque, making it less responsive. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better choice, especially for towing, with a max rating of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also sounded fantastic. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for smooth cornering and a pliable ride. Jeep offered three 4WD systems, with the most advanced, Quadra-Drive II, including a low-range transfer case and limited-slip differential. The air suspension could adjust ground clearance up to 10.9 inches, making the Grand Cherokee L a capable off-roader.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The three-row model had 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third row was optional on select trims, increasing seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's added length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel cavernous. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 bench seat available as an option. The third row power-folded up and down, with power-folding headrests accessible from the main touchscreen. While the third row was tight for adults, it was suitable for children. The driver's seat offered good sight lines and visibility, with two rows of buttons surrounding the touchscreen for easy access to various controls. Cargo space was ample, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it one of the largest in its class.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and benefited from hard buttons and dials, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades. The infotainment system covered the basics and relied on tactile controls, which were helpful for off-road driving.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Laredo and Altitude trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation that displayed full-screen maps on the instrument panel. All systems ran Uconnect 5, which was quick and easy to use despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available as a standalone option on upper trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims. The Grand Cherokee L also offered night vision, Active Driving Assist, 16-way power front seats with massage programs, and a head-up display. The passenger screen in the dash allowed the front passenger to control navigation, activate cameras, and stream video independently from the rear entertainment system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, such as forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and three stars for rollover testing. It had not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for models built after May 2023, when Jeep reinforced the frame for better side-impact test scores. It also scored five stars in every test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration except for rollover, in which it scored four stars. Standard safety features included driver and passenger front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, a backup camera washer, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Active Driving Assist was standard on the Summit Reserve trim.