Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L inherited the tough yet upscale design language debuted by its predecessors since the iconic model smashed through a glass wall at the 1992 Detroit auto show. As a more elongated variant of the Grand Cherokee, the L model extended the vehicle's length by over a foot without compromising the classic Jeep aesthetic. The Hydro Blue version, featuring the High Altitude package, delivered an eye-catching appearance with its blacked-out grille, logos, and door handle tops, complemented by dark gray 21-inch wheels. Inside, the black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut embellishments across the dash and doors imparted a bold character.

The U-shaped fenders and square greenhouse were distinctly Jeep, while elements such as slim LED headlights, body-color bumpers with integrated exhaust tips, and a subtly curved black roofline conveyed a modern outlook suitable for renewal over decades. Upper trims boasted an impressive interior, almost rivaling luxury standards, with diamond-patterned stitching on the seats and door panels and aluminum speaker grilles augmenting the aesthetic appeal. The touch of luxury was marred only by some hard plastics in the lower dash and rougher leather on the steering wheel, but for the most part, it felt appropriate for a $70,000 vehicle. Significantly, the Grand Cherokee L's interior looked and felt a cut above its competitors, like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

In contrast, when the RAV4 underwent a redesign in 2019, it shifted from its softer crossover look to a blockier, more robust appearance. The trapezoidal grille borrowed cues from Toyota's truck lineup, framed by angular bodywork that enveloped the headlights. While initially groundbreaking, this design ethos was subsequently mirrored by other automakers, evident in models like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid sported a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts for a visually interesting yet plain surface. The layout was typical for the time, with an infotainment touchscreen prominently positioned atop the dash, flanked by physical buttons and knobs for essential controls. The materials used were average for its class, with lightly padded surfaces where needed, though some base models remained regrettably austere with their urethane steering wheels and armrests. In terms of build quality, the RAV4 Hybrid was strong, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks.

The Grand Cherokee L’s standard powertrain—a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine generating 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque—fell short in an otherwise solid offering. The V6 struggled with noise and lacked low-end torque, exhibiting a rental-grade performance. A more refined turbo inline-six was anticipated, but not yet incorporated. Utilizing sport mode for improved throttle response involved trade-offs as the eight-speed automatic transmission resisted upshifting in day-to-day driving. The heft of the SUV underscored the need for a more potent engine.

For those willing to upgrade, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque offered a compelling alternative, especially for towing up to 7,200 pounds compared to 6,200 with the V6. While fuel economy suffered at 14/22/17 mpg for the V8 (compared to 18/25/21 mpg for the V6), the trade-off in power was considerable. The Grand Cherokee L’s air suspension provided class-leading handling and stability, navigating corners smoothly and maintaining a plush ride. Different 4WD systems (Quadra-Trac I, II, and Quadra-Drive II) improved its off-road credentials, although its serious off-roader persona was slightly diminished from earlier Trail-Rated models.

On the other hand, the RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor/generator, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid setup delivered a modest yet adequate 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. Unlike the Grand Cherokee L, the RAV4’s CVT, coupled with AWD from a second electric motor, provided consistent and responsive handling for everyday driving. Although competing hybrids like the Kia Sportage offered slightly better acceleration metrics, the RAV4 Hybrid stood firm in its category.

The hybrid system balanced regenerative and physical braking seamlessly, enhancing efficiency without sacrificing drivability. The RAV4 Hybrid’s suspension soaked up road imperfections while maintaining a stable and controlled ride, though it stopped short of sportiness. This made it more than adequate for typical drivers seeking basic comfort and reliability.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s extended length, especially with its five-inch longer wheelbase, considerably enhanced interior space. It felt immensely roomy, accommodating taller passengers comfortably in both the first and second rows. Second-row captain’s chairs and a lofty third row for kids further broadened its utility. There were 17 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded.

However, the RAV4 Hybrid offered fewer rear seat adjustments and cushions set lower, making extended travel a bit less comfortable for taller rear passengers. Cargo space, crucial for many hybrid SUV buyers, was generous at 37.5 cubic feet with the seats up—only slightly less than the non-hybrid model. When compared, the Grand Cherokee L provided substantially more cargo volume, making it a more versatile choice for users with expansive load requirements.

The Grand Cherokee L featured a range of advanced tech options. Entry-level trims like the Laredo and Altitude included an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims like the Limited and Overland boasted a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, an optional McIntosh sound system, and comprehensive navigation features. Notably, the inclusion of a night vision system and active driving assist underscored the high level of technical sophistication. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a passenger screen only active with a seat occupant, adding entertainment and function without driver distraction.

The RAV4 Hybrid, in contrast, benefited from a significant infotainment upgrade in 2023. Most models carried an 8.0-inch touchscreen, although higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations were standard, though wireless charging remained an option. The infotainment system's update likely contributed to its simplicity and ease of use, keeping the driving experience more immersive. The top trims upgraded to an 11-speaker JBL audio system, though overall, the tech pack lacked some of the more exclusive offerings found in the Grand Cherokee L.

Both vehicles occupied strong positions in terms of safety. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and scored impressively across NHTSA’s tests, save for the rollover evaluation. Standard safety features included an array of airbags, forward collision warnings, and adaptive cruise control. More advanced options like front cross-traffic braking, a backup camera washer, and night vision were available on higher trims.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also fared well, securing five stars from the NHTSA for overall safety and a notable Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite provided an extensive range of driver aids as standard, with additional proximity and parking sensors introducing further peace of mind in upgraded trims. Both vehicles demonstrated solid safety nets for consumer confidence.