2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Toyota Highlander showcased a modern design that paired seemingly aggressive elements, such as flared fender arches, with practical aesthetics aimed at reducing the vehicle’s visual bulk, despite its spacious interior. This design approach was evident when climbing inside the Highlander, where the clever storage solutions and ample cabin space were clearly tailored for family usability. The bold, optional red leather package in the XSE trim provided a striking contrast to its exterior, perhaps unexpectedly aligning it with interiors typically seen in high-end Italian SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended its body to accommodate a third row of seats, making it noticeably longer and roomier compared with its two-row counterpart. Its design followed Jeep’s iconic styling cues including the seven-slot grille and blunt front aesthetics, enhanced with modern, slim lighting and improved panel finishes. At every trim level, the Grand Cherokee L maintained an appearance that blended rugged appeal with luxury - especially in the high-end Summit Reserve, which added larger wheels and additional chrome elements.

The Highlander was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured multiple driving modes including Sport, Normal, and Eco, and it offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. While its performance was robust, especially at cruising speeds, it was noted that the initial pickup could feel slightly sluggish compared to other V6 SUVs. The model's sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim enhanced its handling, reducing body roll while maintaining comfort.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 and a more robust 5.7-liter V8, alongside a V6-based plug-in hybrid configuration offering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The base V6 engine, while adequate, sometimes struggled under the vehicle's weight, particularly when loaded with passengers, although its handling was greatly supported by an optional air suspension system that provided remarkable ride composure and versatility across different terrains and driving conditions.

Inside, the Toyota Highlander boasted up to 84.3 cubic feet of total cargo space with all rear seats folded down, and maintained 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row when all seats were in use. It featured a variety of convenient storage spaces throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality for families.

The Grand Cherokee L, while also generous in its interior dimensions, offered a user-friendly layout with physically separated controls for climate and media, unlike many modern vehicles that rely heavily on touchscreen inputs. It provided comfortable seating even in the third row, with higher trims offering additional comforts such as panoramic roofs and ample charging ports, although its air circulation was noted to be less effective.

The Highlander was outfitted with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims included options for a larger 12.3-inch display and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. It balanced modern tech demands with traditional controls that some users find more reliable and easier to operate while driving.

The Grand Cherokee L was notably lavish in its technology offerings, particularly in higher trims that featured dual high-resolution screens, massaging front seats, a comprehensive suite of driving assists, and optional entertainment systems for rear passengers. Its commitment to luxury was evident in the quality of materials and advanced tech features.

The Highlander included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which featured collision avoidance, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control among other features. Upper trims added more advanced safety options like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view parking monitor.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L came equipped with comprehensive active safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring across most of its range, although it had not yet been rated by major safety organizations at the time of review.