2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year, offered a nostalgic nod to its heritage with the Heritage Edition trim. This version featured distinctive elements like bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima roof basket, best showcased in Midnight Black. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was less striking in Magnetic Gray with Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a first-generation Highlander, lacked character despite its chrome accents and oversized lights. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota's familiar switchgear with Lexus-inspired design, offering plush materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, evoking a sense of time travel to a not-so-distant past.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee presented a fresh take on a familiar design. As a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, it maintained Jeep's design traditions while offering a sportier look. Available in multiple trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee catered to a wide range of preferences. Its styling paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with modern touches like a black roof option. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored its three-row sibling, with quality materials and a focus on comfort, especially in higher trims with features like quilted leather and a McIntosh audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a refined driving experience. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by a full-time four-wheel-drive system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist. It also featured Crawl Control and Off-Road Turn Assist for challenging terrains. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a smooth, Lexus-like ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight required effort when maneuvering. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered versatility with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and a choice between a 293-horsepower V6 or a 357-horsepower V8 engine. The V6 provided a balance of efficiency and power, while the V8 increased towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim excelled off-road with features like a Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain driving modes. On pavement, the Grand Cherokee felt nimble and athletic, with excellent ride quality, especially without the Quadra-Lift system.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, luxury was evident with premium leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The interior featured a four-zone climate control system and ample air vents, though storage space was limited. The third-row seat offered limited comfort for adults, and cargo space was modest at 16.1 cubic feet, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee prioritized driver and passenger comfort, with available heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, but cargo capacity was generous, offering 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology felt dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen lacking modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was basic, with straightforward controls but limited functionality. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, though it was not touchscreen-enabled.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring Uconnect 5 with a responsive interface and over-the-air updates. It offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Advanced features included a head-up display, Night Vision, and a passenger interactive display, enhancing both driver and passenger experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense, offering essential driver assistance features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced systems like lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. Its structure incorporated high-strength steel, promising improved crash protection. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was anticipated, further enhancing its safety credentials.