Performance

The Grand Cherokee has three different engine options available depending on the trim. All three engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Eight out of 10 of the Grand Cherokee trims come standard with a 3.6L 24V VVT Engine with ESS (Electronic Stop Start). This engine has an EPA-estimated 19 city/26 highway MPG and 295 horsepower.

The second engine is standard for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and is available on the SRT® 4X4 Trim. This engine is a powerful 6.4L V8 SRT® HEMI® MDS Engine with 475 horsepower. The third engine—a 6.2L Supercharged HEMI® V8 SRT Engine with a whopping 707 horsepower—is standard on the Trackhawk trim.

The 4Runner comes with one engine across its nine trims, two less than the Grand Cherokee. The standard engine of the Toyota 4Runner is a 4.0L V6 engine with 270 horsepower and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The engine comes with two drivetrain options: the 4×2 and the 4×4.  

The 4Runner engine falls short of the Grand Cherokee engine with just an EPA-estimated 16 city/19 highway MPG to offer. No matter which engine you choose in the Grand Cherokee, you’ll get more horsepower and better fuel economy than you will in the 4Runner.

Capability

If you’re looking for adventure, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner are both there. Each vehicle has unique features when it comes to off-road performance.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is prepared for rain or shine, snow or sleet, with these available features:

• Quadra-Drive® II 4X4 System with Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential—This system can transfer all engine torque to one wheel, giving the SUV more traction on difficult terrain.
• Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System—Use the dial located in your center console to prepare your SUV’s systems for whatever terrain you’re about to encounter. There are five options: auto, snow, sand, mud, and rock.
• Quadra-Lift® Suspension System—For off-roading on uneven terrain, this system raises the SUV height up to 10.8 inches, so you can clear more obstacles in your way.

The 4Runner has its own set of available off-roading capabilities. These include:

• Available Multi-Terrain Select—With four terrain modes to choose from, this system adjusts wheelspin and engine throttling to provide you the best drive possible for whatever terrain you encounter.
• Crawl Control—This system automatically regulates the throttle and brakes, so you can focus on your driving when on difficult terrain.
• Locking Rear Differential—This system helps you navigate uneven terrain. By distributing power evenly to both rear wheels, they move at the same speed even if one is not touching the ground. This helps you climb over obstacles at a more controlled pace.

For those who enjoy off-roading, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner both make impressive SUVs. However, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gives you a little more out of your vehicle.

With the Quadra-Lift® Suspension System, the Grand Cherokee gets more lift for getting over obstacles than the Toyota 4Runner. The Cherokee model’s Quadra-Drive® II 4×4 System with Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential gives you more flexibility than the 4Runner model’s Locking Rear Differential because the Cherokee system allows for all its engine torque to go to a single wheel.

Interior

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner are designed for adventure, but they both prioritize passenger comfort and roominess. Each vehicle can haul five adults and all their gear, complete with comfortable seating and plenty of headroom and legroom in all seating positions.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers 105 cubic feet of passenger space. When looking to fit luggage or camping gear inside your SUV, the maximum cargo space is a huge 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

When looking at passenger dimensions, the Jeep Cherokee has 58 inches of shoulder room and 56.2 inches of hip room. The Grand Cherokee will allow your passengers to be comfortable on long trips.

The Toyota 4Runner has an expansive cargo bay as well, measuring about 88.8 cubic feet. With this you’ll be able to fit all the gear you need. When looking at passenger space, the 4Runner offers slightly less passenger room. The shoulder room for passengers is about 57.8 inches and hip room is 55.7 inches.

Ultimately, if passenger space is your main concern when looking at the interior, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gives you a bit more to work with without sacrificing much cargo space.

Technology

The technology that allows the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner to master any terrain is not the only technology in these SUVs. Both vehicles contain technology focused on connectivity and convenience.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner have a similar group of technology. Some of the technological systems in both vehicles include:

• Standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment center
• Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Available Amazon Alexa Connectivity
• Standard Bluetooth® Connectivity

What puts the Jeep Grand Cherokee ahead of the Toyota 4Runner in terms of connectivity and technology is the Uconnect® app. This app allows you to remote start your vehicle, find it in a crowded parking lot, get health reports on your vehicle, and more.

If you combine the Uconnect® app with the available SiriusXM Guardian™, you can access the SOS Call feature. You can connect with a roadside assistance operator and the operator will dispatch emergency services if needed.