2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L continued the legacy of its predecessors with a design that balanced toughness and luxury. Its extended length maintained the classic style of the shorter version, while the High Altitude package added bold elements like a blacked-out grille and dark gray 21-inch wheels. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, featuring a mix of high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements, such as diamond-patterned stitching and aluminum speaker grilles. Despite some hard plastics and less refined leather, the overall feel was justified for its price, offering a more luxurious experience than many competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition embraced a retro aesthetic with its heritage grille design and bronze accents. The 4Runner's design paid homage to its truck-based SUV roots, offering an enduring appeal. Inside, the cabin was functional, with plenty of plastic but a solid feel. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's interior was purposeful, providing a sense of quality despite its simplicity, and the special edition's unique styling elements added a nostalgic charm.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was considered underwhelming for the SUV's size, and the sport mode did little to enhance its capabilities. However, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, offered a more robust performance, especially for towing. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for smooth cornering and adjustable ride height. Three optional 4WD systems enhanced its off-road capabilities, although it was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was supported by two available 4WD systems and a range of off-roading technologies, such as locking differentials and Crawl Control. While its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering, the 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, providing a sense of invincibility. Its body-on-frame construction made it more suited for rugged terrains than urban environments.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional bench seating. The third row was best suited for children, and the cargo space was generous, offering up to 85 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior featured a well-organized layout with accessible controls, although some infotainment graphics were difficult to read. Visibility was good, and the overall design was practical and spacious.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its power-down rear window, enhancing ventilation. The interior was comfortable, with SofTex artificial leather seats and ample storage options. The second-row seating was spacious, but the optional third row was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The tailgate's bumper served as a convenient seat, and the cargo area included useful storage solutions.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came equipped with Uconnect 5, featuring an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the McIntosh sound system was available on upper trims. Advanced features included night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen for entertainment and navigation control. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of tech features, enhancing both convenience and safety.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. While the graphics were dated, the system was user-friendly, and the voice recognition performed well. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The 4Runner's tech offerings were straightforward, focusing on functionality over flashiness.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like night vision and 360-degree cameras enhanced safety on higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for frontal-impact and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it Marginal for driver protection in small overlap frontal-impact tests.