2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had roots dating back to its 1996 introduction in North America. Initially launched as a compact alternative to the large SUVs of that era, it was quickly embraced by young buyers. The original RAV4's success inspired numerous car-based SUV competitors and even earned the category nickname of "cute-utes." Throughout its five generations, the RAV4 evolved significantly, both in size and sophistication, eventually becoming a sales leader and a more mature crossover SUV.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a development from the 2019 redesign, featured a design that aligned with many modern crossover vehicles. While its exterior wasn't particularly unique at first glance, a closer inspection revealed detailed angular flourishes and crisp lines. The vehicle sported expressive headlights, a snub-nosed grille, and lower fascia openings that created a playful yet aggressive face. Overall, the exterior showcased Toyota's renowned fit-and-finish, enhancing the quality feel.

The interior of the RAV4 was equally impressive. The dashboard boasted contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. A user-friendly touchscreen interface was positioned at the top of the dash for minimal distraction. Distinctive design cues, including a geometric pattern inspired by circuit boards, tied various interior elements together, extending to the cloth seat inserts, sill plates, and dash pieces. The Adventure-trim test vehicle also featured 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels matching the design theme.

On the flip side, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler stayed true to its rugged identity with the fourth-generation JL model, marked by its boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic. The Wrangler was available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, with doors that could be removed for a more immersive outdoor experience. An optional Dual-Door Group provided half doors for added visibility while maintaining a sense of safety.

The Wrangler's versatile design included a fold-down windshield, various top options for open-air drives, and wide fenders adorned with the American flag. Iconic Jeep features such as the seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches were staples. The tailgate swung out with ease, complemented by an upward-lifting rear glass for convenient access to the cargo area. Notably, the tester sported a limited-edition purple color dubbed "Reign," adding a distinctive flair to the otherwise functional design. Another color option for 2023 was "Earl," a gray shade with a hint of aquamarine.

Inside the Wrangler, practicality was key, with easily washable floor mats and seats. The interior maintained a straightforward design, devoid of unnecessary frills. Body-colored dash elements, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter reinforced the vehicle's rugged heritage.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model, assessed for this review, utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Toyota direct injection and variable valve timing. It produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models was robust at 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive models delivered slightly lower figures at 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a synchronous electric motor, generating a combined 217 hp, routed to all four wheels via an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Its impressive EPA ratings were 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, the most powerful of the range, housed the same engine as the other models but added an 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack, resulting in a combined 302 hp. It featured all-wheel drive and an eCVT, achieving 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, boasting an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. Charging the Prime varied by outlet, taking 12 hours at 120 volts, 4.5 hours at 240 volts, or 2.5 hours with the 6.6-kW charger.

During testing, the gasoline Adventure AWD model demonstrated the four-cylinder engine's adequacy for everyday driving, delivering smooth power without turbo lag. The eight-speed transmission provided quick kickdowns, especially useful for highway passing. Overall, the RAV4's naturally-aspirated engine and transmission pairing contributed to a pleasant driving experience with commendable fuel efficiency. The crossover also offered three drive modes (Sport, Eco, and Normal) for performance customization, though their differences were subtle.

The RAV4 maintained its car-like handling, utilizing MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bars. All-wheel-drive models included Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved handling.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler showcased exceptional off-road capabilities, underpinned by solid front and rear axles, and optional differential lockers. The Wrangler offered a variety of engine options: a standard V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and a hefty 442 lb-ft of torque, and the high-performance Rubicon 392 model boasting a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and torque. The Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid, featured two electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery pack, providing 21 miles of all-electric range.

For this test, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 was an off-road beast, equipped with full-time four-wheel drive and capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Off-Road Plus button adjusted throttle, shift points, and traction control specifically for challenging terrains. The Wrangler's Selec-Trac transfer case offered a 2.72 low range, while the Rock-Trac transfer case in the Rubicon provided a 4:1 low range, yielding a crawl ratio of 48:1. The Xtreme Recon package upgraded this to a 58:1 ratio.

However, on-road performance revealed some shortcomings. The 392's brakes and steering were concerning, with Jeep not upgrading the brakes to match the increased power, making hard braking a nerve-wracking experience. Steering was vague and imprecise, necessitating guesswork during maneuvers. These issues were less pronounced in other Wrangler models with less powerful engines, where brakes and steering were more adequately matched.

While the Ford Bronco presented competition with its independent front suspension, making it more comfortable on pavement, the Jeep's solid front axle still held its own, especially for those prioritizing off-road prowess.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had seen significant growth over its generations. Classified as a small SUV by the EPA, it could accommodate 37.5 cubic feet of luggage behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Payload capacity ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration.

Towing capabilities varied across trim levels. LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades could tow up to 1,500 pounds, while Adventure and TRD Off-Road models were rated for 3,500 pounds. Maximum tongue weight was tied to these limits, with the Adventure and TRD models rated at 350 pounds and others at 150 pounds. RAV4 Hybrid models could tow up to 1,750 pounds, and the Prime models up to 2,500 pounds.

Inside, the RAV4 offered a spacious and comfortable environment for four passengers, with adequate space for five in a pinch. The front row provided ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom. Numerous storage compartments, including cupholders, bottle holders, a roomy glove compartment, and covered storage beneath the center armrest, ensured practicality. The middle seat in the second row was less desirable but serviceable for short trips.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler focused on rugged functionality. The front seats were comfortable, with optional heated seats in the 392 model or via a cold-weather package. Ventilated seats were unavailable. The rear seat could theoretically fit three passengers in four-door models, but it was a tight squeeze, with small rear doors complicating entry and exit.

Storage for small items was limited, given the flat dash with no cubby space and tiny glove box and center console. A dash-top bin posed a risk of overheating for items like phones. Larger cargo capacity was also constrained, providing 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—only marginally more than the RAV4.

Wrangler owners had several roof options: a hard top (removable in one piece or in sections), a soft top (with removable rear windows), and the priciest Sky One-Touch power soft top, which retracted at the push of a button while preserving some enclosure with a glass rear window. The Wrangler featured ample charging points, including multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet in the center console.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a robust suite of technology across its trim levels. Base models featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio setup, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Other standard features included SiriusXM satellite radio, Safety Connect, Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio.

Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with the Audio Plus system, while the Premium Audio system on Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE included an 11-speaker JBL audio setup with navigation. Notably, factory navigation became less critical due to widespread smartphone integration.

The RAV4 Prime was particularly well-equipped, with five USB ports, two 12-volt/120-watt auxiliary power outlets, and an available 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet. Additional features included blue ambient lighting, Qi-compatible wireless charging, a bird’s-eye view camera system with perimeter scan, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system, though the tested model featured an 8.4-inch screen. Lacking hard buttons, all functions were controlled via the touchscreen, which, despite appearing complicated initially, proved user-friendly. The system included off-road pages detailing power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates.

The Wrangler’s technological offerings were practical rather than flashy. It included useful features like a forward-facing camera for off-roading and auxiliary switches for aftermarket additions. Absent were more luxurious tech elements like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 prioritized safety across all models, featuring Toyota’s Star Safety System. This suite included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Rear-seat LATCH anchors, child-guard locks, and Safety Connect services added layers of protection. Eight airbags ensured cabin safety.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4s, encompassed a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear cross-traffic braking, and parking assist with automatic braking.

The 2022 RAV4 earned top safety accolades, securing an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating (Top Safety Pick+ for the Prime) and the NHTSA’s highest five-star rating for RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler had more limited standard safety features: a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model or part of an option package elsewhere. Lane-keeping assist was absent.

Customizable safety features allowed drivers to tailor settings for blind-spot alerts, forward collision warning timing, and adaptive cruise control distances.

The Wrangler's safety ratings reflected its limitations. The IIHS gave it a mix of Good and Marginal ratings in various categories, along with a Poor rating for some headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars in frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover, but there was no side crash rating.