Toyota 4Runner vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a nod to the brand's rich design heritage. Featuring the quintessential Jeep styling cues like the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, it was reminiscent of classic Jeep DNA. Interestingly, its design evoked memories of the first Jeep SUV, the 1963 Wagoneer, with forward-leaning grilles, lowered and level beltlines, and tapered rear roof pillars. Jeep even offered a black roof option on some versions. The Grand Cherokee's launch witnessed a restrained palette of paint colors, with promises of a broader range in the future.

Inside, the 2022 Grand Cherokee shared similarities with the 2021 Grand Cherokee L. The Laredo trim came with basic yet quality cloth seats, offering commendable interior refinement for an entry-level model. Conversely, the Summit Reserve trim exuded luxury with its premium quilted leather, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Yet, the glossy black finish on some higher-tier controls proved less practical due to reflections, making the matte-black finish on lower trims more functional.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (ASE) sported retro design elements that were a throwback to the 1970s. With bold yellow, orange, and red stripes, heritage grille design, and bronze 17-inch wheels, the 40 ASE had a strong nostalgic appeal. The SoCal vibe it projected was undeniable, making it an SUV that looked ready for surfboards and beach outings. Despite its retro stylings, the 4Runner maintained the robust, truck-based stance that made it a staple over the years.

Internally, the 4Runner’s cabin had a purposeful design. Though filled with plastic elements, the materials felt solid and durable. The controls were remarkably intuitive and user-friendly, a significant advantage for drivers wearing gloves. However, the 4Runner's interior leaned toward functionality over high-tech modernity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided varied performance options with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and a choice of a V6 or a V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and achieved estimates of 17 to 21 mpg depending on the drivetrain. Towing capacity for the V6 was set at 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 churned out 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, enhancing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but with a lower fuel economy of 17 mpg combined.

The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I for light off-roading, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case for more challenging terrains, and the Quadra-Drive II, which was the top choice for serious off-road enthusiasts. The Trailhawk model, in particular, emerged as the off-road champion with its electronic locking differential, air suspension providing up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance, and capability to ford up to 24 inches of water.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, featured a single 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a five-speed automatic transmission, the 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite having fewer drivetrain choices than the Grand Cherokee, the 4Runner offered a part-time 4WD system or a full-time 4WD system available on the Limited trim, and a fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 4Runner’s basic off-road capabilities included a minimum ground clearance of nine inches, Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional features for 4WD models like Downhill Assist Control and Active Traction Control. The TRD Off-Road trims added specialized off-road suspensions and features like locking differentials and Crawl Control. Although the 4Runner excelled off-road, its on-road performance revealed its truck-based limitations, characterized by leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered ample comfort for both the driver and passengers. Higher trims featured amenities like heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheels, and even massaging front seats. The Laredo trim, even with cloth seats, maintained a sense of quality. Rear-seat space, however, was a bit tight for taller adults, and for more legroom, the Grand Cherokee L was preferable. Cargo space in the two-row Grand Cherokee was 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner provided a distinctive experience with its unique rolling down rear window feature, creating a ventilated environment akin to the openness of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The SofTex artificial leather seats in the 40 ASE offered decent comfort, though not as luxurious as the Grand Cherokee’s upper trims. Storage solutions within the cabin were numerous but often lacked rubber liners, leading to rattling and sliding of items.

The second row in the 4Runner was spacious and comfortable for passengers, offering better leg support compared to the Grand Cherokee. While a third-row seat option was available, it compromised cargo space and passenger comfort. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner provided 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 89.7 cubic feet with seats folded down, making it substantially more accommodating than the Grand Cherokee in terms of cargo capacity.

Technology in the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was state-of-the-art. It offered a comprehensive array of systems, including a head-up display, Night Vision, and a camera-based rearview mirror. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was the centerpiece, boasting a swift response time and over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, the system offered an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, paired with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM Guardian. Notably, a 10.25-inch touchscreen was available for the front passenger, providing separate entertainment options.

Conversely, the 2023 4Runner catered to more traditional preferences, featuring analog gauges with a modest digital display in the center. Its largest available infotainment display was 8 inches, controlled by physical knobs and buttons, ideal for gloved hands. The infotainment system, despite its dated graphics, was effective, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa. The voice recognition system performed admirably, albeit with some limitations regarding specific commands.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with a robust package of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The structure comprised a significant amount of aluminum and high-strength steel, promising greater crash protection. Unique features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, the latter providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. A hands-free version of this system was anticipated for 2022.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered an array of essential safety features through Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert also became standard. However, the 4Runner’s safety ratings were less impressive. It earned a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with concerning three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance.