2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer exuded a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel center caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors were used. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid presented a modern and versatile design with three distinct styles: Core, Rugged, and Sport. However, the PHEV was limited to the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades, including the exclusive GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with some trims featuring buffer bumpers for added length. Its boxy design, reminiscent of Toyota's other SUVs, included square wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capability with features like chunky all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements. The GR Sport, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, boasted red brake calipers, a wide mesh grille, and a big rear wing, enhancing its sporty appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, impressive for its 6,400-pound weight. The vehicle came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, also standard, allowed for adjustable ride height, providing up to 10 inches of ground clearance. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely pace, as its ride could become bouncy at higher speeds, and its steering was imprecise.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This combination resulted in a total power output of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles and standard all-wheel drive. In EV mode, the RAV4 excelled in quiet city driving, while Auto mode provided a satisfying power band for quicker acceleration. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, particularly in the GR Sport trim, which offered a sportier ride with less body roll. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a spirited and comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, front-row space was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its heavier weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage bins, although forward visibility was somewhat restricted.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a well-equipped interior with features like a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage solutions like a dashboard shelf and a versatile center console. The RAV4 comfortably seated four passengers, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom, although five passengers could be a tight fit. The PHEV's cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, offering 33.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was designed for practicality, with deep door pockets and flexible storage options.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The McIntosh audio system and 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot enhanced connectivity, while second-row passengers enjoyed a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control. An optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with its Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air updates, although the screen response was occasionally slow. The Grand Wagoneer also included Amazon Alexa connectivity and Fire TV for Auto, allowing passengers to stream content and share destinations with the navigation system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen available on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times, while the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts. The RAV4 PHEV also included a built-in dash cam, capable of recording and saving clips from exterior cameras. This feature allowed drivers to adjust sensitivity settings and record automatically or on a loop.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, although it required hands-on driving. A hands-free version was planned for future release, with driver monitoring to prevent misuse.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, updated lane-departure alert and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with limited hands-free driving, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The RAV4's enhanced rearview camera and surround-view camera system improved visibility and maneuverability. While crash-test ratings were pending, the RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.