What To Know
- The Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee are two of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the market, each possessing a unique blend of features, capabilities, and style.
- The Highlander also comes standard with a host of advanced technology features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of driver-assistance features.
- The Grand Cherokee also offers a wide range of available technology features, including a premium sound system, a head-up display, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features.
The Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee are two of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the market, each possessing a unique blend of features, capabilities, and style. Choosing between these two titans can be a daunting task, especially when you consider their varied strengths and weaknesses. This blog post will delve deep into the Toyota Highlander vs Grand Cherokee debate, exploring their key differences in performance, interior, technology, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which SUV best aligns with your needs and preferences.
Performance: Off-Road Prowess vs. Everyday Efficiency
The Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer contrasting approaches to performance. The Highlander prioritizes everyday practicality and fuel efficiency, while the Grand Cherokee leans towards off-road prowess and a more thrilling driving experience.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and responsive handling for everyday driving. The Highlander also boasts impressive fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee offers a wider range of powertrain options, including a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The V8 delivers the most power, generating 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged four-cylinder offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee also offers a range of off-road trims, including the Trailhawk, which features advanced four-wheel drive, off-road tires, and a higher ground clearance for tackling challenging terrain.
Interior: Comfort and Technology
Both the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer spacious and comfortable interiors, but their approach to technology and design differs significantly.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s interior prioritizes practicality and comfort. It features a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The interior materials are high-quality and durable, and the overall design is clean and uncluttered. The Highlander also comes standard with a host of advanced technology features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of driver-assistance features.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee’s interior boasts a more luxurious and stylish design. The cabin features premium materials, including leather upholstery and wood accents. The dashboard is driver-focused and features a large touchscreen infotainment system with a user-friendly interface. The Grand Cherokee also offers a wide range of available technology features, including a premium sound system, a head-up display, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection
Both the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features and earning top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems that includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Highlander also offers optional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee also offers a wide range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Grand Cherokee also features a unique feature called “Active Driving Assist,” which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities on certain highways.
Cargo Space and Versatility: Room for Your Adventures
Both the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer ample cargo space and versatile seating configurations to accommodate your needs.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers a generous 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, making it an ideal choice for families and adventurers who need to haul large items. The Highlander also features a variety of seating configurations, including a third-row option, allowing you to transport up to eight passengers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee offers a slightly smaller cargo capacity of 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, but it still provides ample space for most cargo needs. The Grand Cherokee also offers a variety of seating configurations, including a third-row option, making it a versatile option for families and adventurers.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Performance and Economy
The Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer contrasting fuel economy figures, reflecting their different performance priorities.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. This makes the Highlander an economical choice for daily commutes and long road trips.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee offers a wider range of fuel economy figures depending on the chosen powertrain. The V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the V8 engine achieves 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers the best fuel economy, achieving 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Reliability and Resale Value: A Long-Term Investment
Both the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee are known for their reliability and hold their value well over time.
Toyota Highlander: Toyota has a long-standing reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Highlander is no exception. It consistently ranks high in reliability surveys and boasts a strong resale value.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee also has a reputation for reliability. However, it can be more prone to minor issues compared to the Highlander. The Grand Cherokee also holds its value well, particularly the off-road trims, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee comes down to your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if:
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and everyday practicality.
- You need a spacious and comfortable interior with ample cargo space.
- You value a reliable and durable vehicle with a strong resale value.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if:
- You desire a more luxurious and stylish interior with premium features.
- You seek off-road capability and a thrilling driving experience.
- You are willing to sacrifice some fuel efficiency for performance and exclusivity.
Popular Questions
Q: Which SUV is better for a family?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee are excellent choices for families. The Highlander offers more cargo space and a smoother ride, making it ideal for everyday commutes and long road trips. The Grand Cherokee, however, offers a more luxurious interior and a range of tech features that can enhance the family experience.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the clear winner for off-roading. It offers a range of off-road trims, including the Trailhawk, which features advanced four-wheel drive, off-road tires, and a higher ground clearance. The Highlander, while capable of handling light off-road terrain, is not designed for serious off-road adventures.
Q: Which SUV has better technology features?
A: Both SUVs offer a wide range of tech features, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee takes the edge with its premium infotainment system, head-up display, and advanced driver-assistance features. The Highlander, however, offers a more user-friendly and intuitive infotainment system.
Q: What is the starting price for each SUV?
A: The starting price for the Toyota Highlander is around $37,000, while the starting price for the Jeep Grand Cherokee is around $40,000. However, prices can vary depending on the trim level and optional features.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers a longer warranty than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, offers a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
