2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe stood out with its distinctive sound and appearance. Aside from a “4xe” badge and blue accents, it looked much like a regular Wrangler, with the power port being the main difference. When running on battery alone, it was nearly silent, drawing attention with its pedestrian notification system. The Rubicon trim, painted in Firecracker Red, was well-equipped and priced at $66,690. Inside, it maintained the classic Wrangler look with some unique touches like blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The interior was functional, with controls laid out for practicality, and it retained the rugged simplicity Jeep is known for.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged front appearance, but its side profile introduced a softer, somewhat disjointed design. The rear echoed the front’s trapezoidal grille, but overall, the design felt less cohesive compared to competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic element that added visual interest and storage space. The Bronze Edition had unique fabric upholstery that was less practical for families. While the materials quality lagged behind some rivals, the Highlander Hybrid remained a popular choice due to its hybrid powertrain.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery, offering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It could drive 21 miles on electric power alone, with a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing flexibility in power usage. During testing, it achieved 20.8 mpg on a road trip, with regenerative braking helping recharge the battery. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler 4xe struggled with wind noise and steering precision on highways.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. Its electric motors provided initial acceleration, with the gasoline engine taking over smoothly. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin at highway speeds. However, the engine noise became noticeable under heavy acceleration, and the CVT’s lack of gear shifts contributed to a droning sound during hill climbs.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter due to high door sills, but once inside, it offered a classic Wrangler driving position with excellent visibility. Storage was limited, and rear-seat space was adequate if passengers sat upright. Cargo access was challenging due to the swing-out tailgate and spare tire, with 27.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Folding the seats expanded capacity to 72.4 cubic feet, though storage was compromised by the charging cord and subwoofer.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments. Storage options were plentiful, with trays and bins throughout the cabin. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, it showed signs of aging in responsiveness and graphics. The system included helpful charging indicators and a WiFi hotspot, though the sound system struggled with wind noise at high volumes.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL audio system, enhancing the infotainment experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced safety features in optional packages, including blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. While effective, the Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with a Marginal score for driver-side small-overlap protection and a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems required fine-tuning for smoother operation.