Toyota Highlander vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, with laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel center caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, and the use of aluminum and composite materials helped reduce weight. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander showcased a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and third-row window design gave it a compact appearance, despite its spacious interior. The Highlander offered a variety of trims, with the XSE model standing out due to its bold red leather interior and sport-tuned suspension. The base L trim came with practical features like an 8-inch touchscreen and three-zone climate control. As you moved up the trims, additional features such as a power moonroof, wireless charging, and premium audio systems became available. The Highlander provided a balance of style and functionality, with ample cabin space and clever storage solutions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes for various terrains. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system was standard, providing adjustable ride height for different driving conditions. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely driving pace due to its size and weight, which affected its agility and handling.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Highlander featured drive modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco, along with AWD modes for different terrains. While the V6 provided adequate power, it excelled more at highway speeds than off the line. The Highlander's handling was commendable, especially in the XSE trim with its sport-tuned suspension. It offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than some of its competitors, although front-row space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its heavier weight. The vehicle came with a standard sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The Highlander featured practical storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a spacious center console. The XSE trim included second-row captain’s chairs, creating a convenient aisle to the third row. While the second-row seats were spacious, the third row was best suited for short trips. The Highlander’s interior was designed for family convenience, with features like a power liftgate and multiple USB ports.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot. The vehicle featured a second screen for seat massagers and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates. While the system provided a range of features, some users found the screen response slow and the graphics plain.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, along with an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. The Highlander’s infotainment system was user-friendly, offering a blend of modern technology and traditional controls.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer included standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, with plans for a hands-free version in the future. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were noted for being very active, sometimes overly so on certain roads.