Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Toyota bZ

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its iconic design, reminiscent of the original Grand Cherokee that debuted in 1992. Its extended length did not compromise its classic style, offering a bold and upscale appearance with features like the High Altitude package, which included blacked-out elements and dark gray wheels. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, especially in upper trims, with 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 range, providing a classy and comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ presented a more modern and streamlined design, with improvements over its predecessor, the bZ4X. The bZ's interior featured a cleaner dashboard and center console, enhancing the sense of quality and organization. The fabric seats in the XLE trim had an upscale pattern, and the larger 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate controls, offering a user-friendly experience. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability issues. Overall, the bZ's design improvements made it a more appealing option for those seeking a contemporary electric vehicle.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was considered outdated and lacked the low-end torque needed for a heavy SUV. 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 Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, but the steering was noted to be less responsive. The SUV offered three 4WD systems, enhancing its off-road capabilities, although it was not intended for serious off-roading.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single electric motor producing 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional larger battery increased power to 224 horsepower and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models provided 338 horsepower, with varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's regenerative braking system lacked one-pedal driving capability, and its handling was affected by the all-season tires and lifeless steering. Despite these drawbacks, the bZ was a comfortable and efficient commuter vehicle, with good visibility and standard safety features.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with an extended wheelbase providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The SUV featured standard second-row captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row was power-folding, but tight for adults. The Grand Cherokee L boasted impressive cargo space, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior layout included a well-organized dashboard with accessible controls, although some legibility issues were noted in the infotainment system.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform, provided easy access with its 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, with heated and ventilated options in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with various storage solutions, including a large bin under the center armrest. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, although foot space was limited. The bZ offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, although the angled rear window limited maximum cargo capacity.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a range of technology options, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Uconnect 5 system was generally user-friendly, despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system, available as an option, provided good audio quality. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed independent control of navigation and entertainment. The SUV's tech offerings were comprehensive, setting it apart from competitors.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, the infotainment system was generally easy to use. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and voice assistant, which performed well in testing. Despite some interface limitations, the bZ's technology offerings were competitive for its class.

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

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added advanced features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. However, the bZ's safety ratings from the IIHS were mixed, with Good ratings for front-crash avoidance but Poor ratings for headlights and Acceptable ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.