Choosing between the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Highlander might seem more complicated than it actually is. Your decision really comes down to what you want in a midsize SUV and which model can deliver the goods! Our comparison guide is here to help you figure out which model makes the best daily driver.
Key Takeaways
- Both midsize SUVs are big on comfort, offering a very impressive list of standard features.
- The Grand Cherokee delivers the sportier performance, with rear-wheel drive (or optional four-wheel drive) and a more powerful engine lineup.
- For adventurous families, the Grand Cherokee delivers more in trail-friendly equipment.
- The 2023 Highlander (starting at $36,620) is slightly more affordable than the 2023 Grand Cherokee (starting at $41,530).
Comfort & Tech Features: It’s a Tie!
Both the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota Highlander are known for their roomy cabins! The Highlander comes standard with eight seats, while the Grand Cherokee gives you five. (However, the Grand Cherokee L is available for drivers who want a Jeep with three rows of seating.)
Each of these SUVs will impress you with its standard lineup. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the sportier option, with standard roof rails and LED headlights. The Highlander is a little more comfort-oriented, with tri-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Both SUVs treat you to touchscreen infotainment systems and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And both are handsomely equipped with safety aids, giving you everything from blind-spot monitoring to adaptive cruise control.
Punchy Power: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you’re after more standard power, the Grand Cherokee is the right SUV for you. But this Jeep also offers a couple of available upgrades to help take performance to the next level! And, thanks to its rugged rear-wheel-drive platform, you can expect sporty handling and a strong performance overall. Tow ratings reach 7,200 pounds with the available V8 engine!
- Standard 3.6L V6 (293 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional for Trailhawk, Overland, Summit: 2.0L four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)
- Optional for Overland, Summit: 5.7L V8 (357 hp, 390 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Every Highlander uses the same turbocharged engine. These Toyotas provide plenty of power to help you keep up with traffic, even if they can’t beat the Grand Cherokee in a race. Their front-wheel-drive platform makes them easy to handle, if not as fun to drive in a turn. The Highlander’s maximum tow rating reaches 5,000 pounds.
- Turbo 2.4L four-cylinder engine (265 hp, 309 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Off-Road Adventure: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Not only is the Grand Cherokee more capable than the Highlander, but it also delivers a more rugged performance than any other midsize SUV! This Jeep is a genuine off-roader, offering optional four-wheel drive and an impressive list of trail-friendly upgrades. The available Trailhawk trim model is specially designed for adventure, with a list of features that includes all-terrain tires, selectable ride height settings, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential.
The Highlander is a front-wheel-drive model, so it’s never quite as rugged as the Grand Cherokee. You can add all-wheel drive for extra traction on soft surfaces, but you shouldn’t really take this Toyota down too rugged a trail! Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Highlander isn’t available with a special off-road-ready trim level.
Price: 2023 Toyota Highlander
The 2023 Highlander actually comes at a lower price, starting at $36,620. If you decide on the more powerful 2023 Grand Cherokee, however, you won’t spend too much more, thanks to its competitive MSRP of $41,530.
Your New SUV
The 2023 Toyota Highlander might save you a little money, but it’s the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee that delivers the most style. Choose Jeep’s midsize SUV for more power, better off-road performance, and all the comforts and conveniences money can buy.