2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a design that blended SUV-like aesthetics with traditional minivan functionality. Its exterior featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to families. The interior design avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a comfortable and uncluttered environment for passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, particularly in its Trailhawk trim, aimed to combine luxury with off-road capability. The Trailhawk was distinguished by its unique exterior details, such as sky blue accents and a matte-black hood decal. However, the interior fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range, with an overuse of plastic and glossy surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. While the leather and artificial suede upholstery added a touch of luxury, the overall execution leaned more towards style than substance. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior design prioritized aesthetics over practicality, with controls that were sometimes difficult to read or access while driving.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. This setup offered both front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel-drive system, which added an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its well-engineered suspension system.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, on the other hand, boasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced a robust 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Trailhawk to tow up to 6,000 pounds. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a sophisticated 4WD system with multiple drive modes and off-road capabilities, including a front-axle sway bar disconnect and height-adjustable air suspension. However, its real-world fuel economy fell short of expectations, with an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The driving experience was marred by an unrefined engine sound, uneven power delivery, and noticeable body lean in curves.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with ample cargo space. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and its sliding second-row seats provided flexibility for loading luggage and freight. The Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added convenience, especially when carrying groceries or children.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with interior space and storage solutions. The need to accommodate off-roading hardware resulted in a center driveshaft tunnel that limited practical storage options. The Trailhawk's interior featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, but the seating comfort was lacking, with firm and flat cushions. The rear seat offered limited legroom, and the cargo space was relatively small for a midsize SUV, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features, including a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trim levels offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also provided various telematics services and a head-up display on Platinum models, enhancing the driving experience with essential information.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a range of screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, the low-contrast graphics and average voice recognition system detracted from the user experience. The Trailhawk also included a front passenger infotainment screen and optional tech features like wireless smartphone charging and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Trailhawk trim added advanced features like intersection assist and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, although the latter did not specifically evaluate the 4xe model.