Toyota Sienna vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee looked familiar yet fresh. It maintained Jeep's iconic design, stemming from its seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, and was a two-row version of the earlier Grand Cherokee L. The SUV was available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $37,390 to $63,365 before destination charges. Each trim offered something unique, whether simplicity, off-roading prowess, or luxurious comfort.

The new Grand Cherokee's styling harked back to the original Jeep Wagoneer from 1963. This was evident in its forward-leaning grille, lower beltline, and tapered rear pillars. Interior-wise, it shared much with the Grand Cherokee L. From cloth-seated basic trims to the Summit Reserve’s opulent quilted leather, heated, ventilated, and massage-equipped seats, the Grand Cherokee stood out for its comfort and luxury.

Comparatively, the 2023 Toyota Sienna tried hard to shed the minivan stigma with its design inspired by Japanese bullet trains. While sliding doors remained, standard 18-inch wheels and 20s on the XSE and Platinum FWD trims added sportiness. The Sienna was available in LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum, and a new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim.

Inside, the Sienna showcased high-quality materials, like the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It offered good flexibility with seating for seven or eight. Although minivans are sometimes pegged for aesthetics, the Sienna demonstrated that functionality could coexist with style.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered robust performance with a choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 generated 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, boosting the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

Jeep also utilized three different 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, for instance, could navigate challenging terrains with features like an electronic locking rear differential and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Despite the V8’s power and thrilling acceleration, the V6 was recommended for its balance of efficiency and performance, achieving 17-21 mpg depending on the configuration.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna embraced a hybrid powertrain across all trims. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with two front-mounted electric motors and an optional rear-mounted motor for AWD, produced 245 net system horsepower. This setup was less powerful but provided a commendable fuel efficiency compared to traditional minivans, even if the performance felt somewhat underwhelming due to the size and CVT’s characteristics.

While the Sienna's acceleration was not as brisk, the minivan delivered a slick driving experience with nimble steering and reliable handling, especially impressive for urban driving. Its Eco and Sport modes adjusted the driving feel, but the normal mode was the most balanced.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior varied by trim but was always comfortable. Higher trims added features such as heated and ventilated seats, front massagers, and an expansive panoramic sunroof. Rear-seat space could be tight, especially for taller adults due to the plastic front seat back trim. When it came to cargo space, the two-row model offered 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down. For more space, buyers could opt for the Grand Cherokee L.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage innovation. The cabin was replete with cubbies, bins, and shelves, including a significant under-console storage area and a long dashboard shelf. At over 200 inches in length, the Sienna managed space efficiently, providing 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and potentially reaching 101 cubic feet. Unlike the Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Odyssey, the Sienna's second row didn’t fold into the floor or remove, limiting its maximum cargo-hauling capability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was laden with advanced technologies. A comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens set it apart. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was responsive and update-ready, prominently featuring an 8.4-inch or optionally a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standards, with the option to add navigation and other upgrades.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Sienna used an older infotainment system. While it still offered SiriusXM, Bluetooth, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven USB ports, the interface felt dated and required wired connections. This older system sometimes proved cumbersome, lacking dedicated functions for modern apps. Nonetheless, the setup was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen adequately fitting the interior, and the 12-speaker JBL system providing decent audio quality.

Safety was a priority for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which boasted a structure composed predominantly of aluminum and high-strength steel. It came equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like Intersection Collision Assist, Active Driving Assist for Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving, and a suite of features for collision avoidance and driving assistance. A hands-free Active Driving Assist was also set to debut.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled with its standard safety features. Its ADAS included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sienna achieved a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and anticipated a strong IIHS rating, based on its predecessor’s Top Safety Pick+ designation. Toyota ensured the Sienna remained one of the safest family vehicles on the market.