Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a familiar sight, echoing the design traditions of Jeep while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. This SUV offered a range of trims from Laredo to Summit Reserve, each catering to different preferences, whether it was simplicity, off-roading capability, or luxury. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with its forward-leaning grille and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo trim providing a surprisingly upscale feel, while the Summit Reserve trim exuded luxury with premium leather and advanced features.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a consistent appearance with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint and standard power-folding mirrors for higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was bold, with exaggerated forms and a cabin filled with oversized elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen. However, the interior's mismatched textures and reflections detracted from its appeal. Despite its visual shortcomings, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride, thanks to acoustic front window glass, but the interior quality felt lacking, with controls and materials that seemed inexpensive.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive options. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the available 5.7-liter V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. Three different 4WD systems were available, catering to various off-roading needs, with the Trailhawk trim excelling in rugged terrain. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was commendable, offering a balance of compliance and road feel, though the Quadra-Lift air suspension was not recommended due to potential future repair costs.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, it lacked high-speed passing power and struggled with towing. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, but its soft suspension and CVT made for a lackluster driving experience. The Highlander Hybrid's AWD system was best suited for winter weather traction rather than off-roading. Despite its focus on efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid fell short of its EPA fuel economy estimates during testing.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for both driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and more. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence, especially during off-roading. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, and the two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, though the third-row seat was best for occasional use. The SUV featured three-zone automatic climate control and comfortable seating, with heated and ventilated options for higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, but accessing the third row was challenging. Cargo space behind the third row measured 16 cubic feet, expandable to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. However, the Highlander's storage areas were unlined, and the center console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens for information and entertainment. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a configurable home display and voice recognition. The optional front passenger interactive display added convenience, though it came at a cost.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The system supported over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless smartphone integration. Connected service plans offered additional features, including a cloud-based navigation system and live human assistance. The Highlander Hybrid's technology was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. The SUV's structure was composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, promising improved crash protection compared to previous models.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander Hybrid also included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors for higher trims. The SUV received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.