Toyota Highlander Vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.7 jeepcarus.com The Toyota Highlander and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L both have large SUVs, but which is the better car? We’ll compare their 3.7-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 engines, and weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which is better for your needs. We’ll also look at the safety features both cars offer, including standard driver frontal and side-impact airbags.
Toyota Highlander Vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.7
5.7-liter V8
If you are considering a new SUV, comparing the Toyota Highlander and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L 5.7-liter V8 may be your best bet. These two models feature the same basic features, but have slightly different performance.
In addition to their size differences, both models have slightly better cargo space, varying in features. And when it comes to cargo space, the Highlander’s second-row seats recline for added passenger comfort.
When comparing power and fuel economy, both vehicles have similar engine options. The Highlander offers a base 293-horsepower Pentastar V6 and the Grand Cherokee has a 3.6-liter V6. Both engines are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. Both vehicles come standard with rear-wheel drive, but there are three four-wheel drive systems available.
In the US, the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with rear-wheel drive. In Canada, 4×4 is standard. There are also three different 4×4 systems: 2wd, 4wd, and 4×4. The Grand Cherokee L is equipped with a 5.7-liter Hemi engine that boosts power to 357 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both models have an eight-speed Z
Safety is another area where the Highlander and the Grand Cherokee L share similar technologies. Both offer advanced safety features and occupant airbags as standard.
But the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is more equipped with standard safety features and more sophisticated safety systems, while the Highlander falls short in this department. In the same vein, both SUVs have excellent standard safety features, although there are differences in the level of safety and technology.
In the case of safety, the Grand Cherokee L has cornering lamps that automatically activate when the turn signal is activated. The Highlander Platinum, on the other hand, has adaptive cornering lights that can turn the headlight unit several degrees based on steering wheel angle and speed.
This helps illuminate a significant distance when entering a corner at any speed. And because both vehicles are front-wheel-drive, the Highlander is more likely to win the safety category.
Both cars have a strong engine, though neither has the best handling. While the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 5.7-liter V8 gets good highway stability and ride quality, the Highlander’s torque output is less than the Grand Cherokee’s.
The latter’s powertrain is also a bit more powerful, and offers better acceleration. While the Highlander has a better all-around performance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s V8 engine is more powerful, but does not have the hearty growl or burbling that the former does.
Overall, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the better choice if you want to drive an SUV in the mountains. While the Highlander offers more room for cargo and passengers, the Grand Cherokee is far more capable. The Jeep has an impressive trunk, while the Highlander has only 16.
While the Jeep Grand Cherokee L isn’t as powerful, the new midsize SUV still has a strong edge in towing capability. Both vehicles have six and seven-ton towing capacity, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is capable of towing 7200 pounds.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L does not come with a hybrid powertrain, which means it won’t be as efficient as the Highlander. But with both vehicles offering a competitive price, you can’t go wrong.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a popular SUV, and is available in many trim levels. The base Laredo trim will start at about $38,000. For comparison, the base model of the 2021 Toyota Highlander L starts at $34,810. Adding AWD to the Highlander’s lower trims adds about $1600. The Limited and Platinum trims both come with an upgraded AWD system.
Toyota Highlander Vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.7-L – 3.6-liter V6
In the battle of crossovers, the Toyota Highlander has the edge over the Jeep Grand Cherokee l 3.6-liter, with a stronger engine, better fuel economy, and a more spacious interior. The two vehicles have very similar powertrains, but the Highlander offers more standard features for the same price. The Highlander also has a standard safety system called Toyota Safety Sense, while the Grand Cherokee lacks this feature across all trim levels.
Both vehicles are capable of hauling large loads and towing heavy loads, but the Highlander is better for maneuvering in tight spots. While the Grand Cherokee is more luxurious, the Highlander’s interior space and towing capacity are on par.
While the Grand Cherokee has more horsepower and torque, it is a bit more difficult to maneuver in tight corners. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L also gets better gas mileage, with up to 26 mpg compared to the Highlander’s 22-mpg combined.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the better overall all-around vehicle, but the Highlander has a more refined interior. It is more comfortable and offers an impressive array of tech features, while the Grand Cherokee is more capable on the highway.
Its rear-drive system is a nice feature to have, but the overall ride quality is disappointing. In addition, the Highlander’s base V6 is underpowered, making it the better overall choice for families.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has two engines, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Both offer diesel engines and four-wheel drive, and each is capable of towing up to 7,200 pounds. Despite these differences, each is a capable all-around vehicle, with two or three rows of seats and multiple seating options.
The two SUVs are very similar when it comes to safety, though the Highlander is the winner in many ways. The Grand Cherokee L is certified as a low-emission vehicle, while the Highlander is only rated as a “low emission vehicle” by the IIHS. But that’s not to say the Grand Cherokee L isn’t safer. The latter is equipped with standard airbags and standard driver side-impact airbags, which make both vehicles safer to drive.
The two SUVs offer a similar set of features, but the Highlander has more luxury features. For example, the Highlander offers a standard roof rack for cargo and rear parking sensors. Both models have a front-axle disconnect, which automatically switches the vehicle into two-wheel drive when necessary. The latter also reduces mechanical drag and boosts fuel economy.
While the Jeep Grand Cherokee has more features than the Toyota Highlander, it’s hard to argue with its interior space. The Grand Cherokee seats five passengers and offers the same amount of front passenger room.
Both cars offer similar rear cargo space, though the Highlander has a slightly narrower third row. And since the Jeep Grand Cherokee is bigger, its cargo area isn’t nearly as generous as it is in the Highlander. The Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space when all three rows are in place. If you fold down the third row, the interior space jumps to 48.4 cubic feet.
While the Grand Cherokee has a higher towing capacity, the Highlander can tow up to 7,200 pounds. It also offers more features, but it hasn’t been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And it’s more expensive than the Grand Cherokee – both SUVs are more than three times as much fun to drive! So, which one is the right choice for you?
When it comes to power, the Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission and is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with AWD. Despite its larger engine, both vehicles get good fuel economy estimates. AWD models get up to 22 mpg on average. Adaptive cruise control and torque-vectoring technology are standard.
In addition to having lower sticker prices, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is longer than the Highlander and rides on a 7-inch longer wheelbase. Seating is available for seven with an optional second-row bench. Both SUVs offer an upscale cabin and passable third-row space.
With the second-row bench folded, the Grand Cherokee L has 17 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, but that increases to 84.6 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded.
