2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a continuation of a 2019 redesign, was a testament to Toyota's evolution from the original "cute-ute" category to a mature crossover SUV. Its exterior design, while blending in with the current crossover trends, featured distinctive angular flourishes and crisp lines that set it apart upon closer inspection. The RAV4's expressive front end, with its Kabuki-like anthropomorphic face, combined playfulness with aggression, while the traditional Toyota fit-and-finish elevated the overall quality. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The interior design was cohesive, with a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern tying various elements together, including the cloth seat inserts and dash pieces.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, maintained the classic style of its predecessors while incorporating modern elements. The High Altitude package added boldness with blacked-out features and dark gray wheels, complemented by a luxurious interior with black leather and gold stitching. The Grand Cherokee L's design was quintessentially Jeep, with U-shaped fenders and a square greenhouse, while slim LED lighting and body-color bumpers added a contemporary touch. Inside, the upper trims offered impressive luxury, with features like a polished black dash, diamond-patterned stitching, and aluminum speaker grilles. Despite some lower-grade materials, the overall interior quality justified its price, surpassing competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and immediate power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a similar engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 combined net horsepower and impressive fuel economy ratings of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and AWD models featuring Multi-Terrain Select tuning for improved handling.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was considered underwhelming, with a sport mode that failed to enhance its performance significantly. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with air suspension, although the steering could have been more responsive. Jeep offered three 4WD systems, with the most advanced featuring a low-range transfer case and limited-slip differential. The Grand Cherokee L's off-road capabilities were impressive, with adjustable air suspension providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered ample cargo space with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four adults, with plenty of storage options and cupholders throughout the cabin. The front row provided generous space, while the second row was adequate for three passengers, though the middle seat was less desirable.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. The Grand Cherokee L offered excellent visibility from the driver's seat, with a well-organized dashboard featuring two rows of buttons for various controls. Cargo space was abundant, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured additional tech, including five USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The RAV4's technology package was comprehensive, with smartphone integration making factory navigation less essential.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed independent control of navigation and entertainment. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available on upper trims, providing a high-quality audio experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

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 a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.