2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged in 2021 on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, which also underpinned models like the Avalon, Camry, and RAV4. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 65.9 inches in height, the Venza was on the shorter side of the midsize crossover SUV segment. Its design featured a deeply scalloped body side, a prominent nose, and a tailgate bisected by a stripe of LED lighting, giving it a modern and somewhat Lexus-like appearance. Inside, the Venza boasted an elegant layout with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats could comfortably accommodate three adults.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by more than a foot, maintaining its tough and upscale look. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out grille and logos, dark gray 21-inch wheels, and a luxurious interior with black leather, gold stitching, and matte-finish light walnut. The U-shaped fenders and square greenhouse were quintessential Jeep, while modern elements like slim LED lighting and body-color bumpers added a contemporary touch. The upper trims offered impressive interiors with high-quality materials, although some lower-grade plastics were present. The polished black dash, metal gear selector dial, and diamond-patterned stitching contributed to a classy feel, especially in the higher-priced models.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose from electric-only (EV) mode for short distances or select among Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the motor-generator driven by the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, making it a suitable midsize family hauler.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it was criticized for its lackluster performance. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and overall performance. The V8 allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, compared to 6,200 pounds with the V6. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8's ratings were 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, which offered five height settings for up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Jeep's three optional four-wheel drive systems added to its off-road capabilities, making it a tough competitor in the SUV market.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, electric parking brake, and numerous storage options. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, allowing for 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Toyota also focused on making the cabin quiet with extensive sound-blocking and absorbing materials.

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 was best suited for children, as it was tight for adults. The driver's seat offered good visibility, and the dashboard featured two rows of buttons 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. This made the Grand Cherokee L one of the leaders in cargo capacity in its class.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention from drivers, making it convenient for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used navigation data to optimize battery charging. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Limited added a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Both setups included Toyota Connected Services, with features like Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim included a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the Laredo and Altitude trims, while the Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. All systems ran Uconnect 5, which was generally quick and easy to use. The McIntosh sound system with 19 speakers was available on upper trims, providing good but not exceptional audio quality. The Grand Cherokee L also offered night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could play video and control navigation. Amazon Fire TV was available for rear-seat entertainment, making the Grand Cherokee L a tech-savvy choice.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. It also featured eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and LATCH anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) group of driver aids included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and five stars from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover tests. 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.