2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged appearance, with its aggressive styling and angular body cladding, which suggested a toughness that wasn't entirely backed by its performance. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and advanced technology and weather packages. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's interior was designed for utility, with easy-clean surfaces and practical storage solutions. The SUV's cabin was functional, with options for more upscale interiors in higher trims, and it offered a range of prices from $28,675 to $38,295 for gas-engine models, with hybrids costing slightly more.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered in a rental scenario, was less about aesthetics and more about function. The black-on-black color scheme was less than ideal for a tropical climate, but the Wrangler's design was rooted in its capability to tackle diverse terrains. The Wrangler lineup included various trims, with the Sport S model priced at $49,175. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, emphasizing durability over luxury. The Wrangler's appeal lay in its nostalgic design and off-road prowess, with a focus on American freedom and adventure, even if it lacked the sophistication of more modern vehicles.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain required high revs to access its full potential, and the eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels unless the optional torque-vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system was selected. The TRD Off-Road model came standard with AWD, off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, the RAV4's ground clearance and approach angles were similar to other models in the lineup. The SUV's off-road suspension provided a comfortable ride on daily commutes, and the RAV4 achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 26.6 mpg.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During testing in Hawaii, the Wrangler averaged 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its ride was rough, and the steering was slow and disconnected. The Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, but its off-road capabilities remained impressive.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with storage shelves, trays, and oversized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The driver's seat was comfortable, and outward visibility was excellent. The RAV4 could comfortably accommodate four adults, with a roomy cargo area offering 37.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was comfortable, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. The Wrangler's cargo area was accessible through a tailgate and rear window, offering 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services included Service Connect and Safety Connect for ten years, Remote Connect for one year, and Drive Connect for one year. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle had an active Drive Connect plan, and the digital voice assistant performed well, though it had some limitations.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S model came with a standard eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system optional. Jeep Connect offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, Adventure Guides, and GPS Trail Logs for off-road navigation. The touchscreen was bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, providing access to various information.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). However, the base LE trim lacked a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. TSS 2.5 performed adequately, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist working well on straighter highways. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, a significant safety improvement. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was only available on the Sahara trim. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Wrangler a Good rating for side-impact protection and a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test.