2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a bold statement with its appearance and sound. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with subtle differences like a "4xe" badge and blue accents. The power port at the windshield base was a notable distinction. When the battery was charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, except for its pedestrian notification system, which drew attention as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, priced at $66,690, was well-equipped, and the interior maintained the classic Wrangler look with some added soft-touch materials and unique PHEV displays.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling. It featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The Sienna's design was assertive, with standard 17-inch wheels and larger options on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with a clean design and ample storage. It offered comfortable seating for second and third-row passengers, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row folded easily into the floor, enhancing cargo flexibility.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing for versatile driving experiences. The Wrangler 4xe could travel an estimated 21 miles on electric power alone, with a total range of 370 miles. During testing, it achieved 20.8 mpg in hybrid mode and 19.1 mpg overall. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its upgraded 4WD system, making it a unique blend of ruggedness and electrification.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. It offered both FWD and AWD options, with the latter using an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's CVT provided smooth power delivery, and its handling was surprisingly good for a minivan. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg in FWD and 35 mpg in AWD. Its hybrid system was complemented by a 288-volt battery with a 10-year warranty, making it a practical choice for families seeking efficiency and versatility.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for adventure, with high door sills and grab handles for easy entry. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering excellent visibility. While storage was limited, the Wrangler provided essential features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat space was adequate, and the cargo area measured 27.7 cubic feet, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability, which sometimes limited practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo capacity ranged from 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row to 101 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added convenience, and its interior featured ample storage and cupholders. The Sienna's design prioritized family-friendly functionality, making it an ideal choice for those needing space and flexibility.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, the system showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler's technology focused on its hybrid powertrain, with helpful displays for charging status and trip summaries. The Alpine sound system provided good audio quality, but wind noise on the highway could be a challenge.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of telematics services and a WiFi trial. Higher trims featured a JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's technology package included a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety. While it lacked wireless smartphone integration, the Sienna's tech offerings were comprehensive and family-friendly.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages, including blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. While effective, the Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection and a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA. The Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability, which sometimes affected safety performance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Its safety package was comprehensive, making it a reliable choice for families prioritizing safety.