Plug-in hybrids are a great alternative to gas-powered and fully electric vehicles. With a plug-in hybrid system, a car can drive on electric-only power for short distances. When the battery runs low or when extra power is needed, a plug-in hybrid utilizes gasoline. One of the most sought-after plug-in hybrid SUVs is the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Now Jeep aims to challenge the RAV4 Prime with the recent debut of the Grand Cherokee 4xe. See how these two SUVs measure up in this 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid showdown. 

Grand Cherokee 4xe vs. RAV4 Prime: Fuel economy and electric range

The Toyota RAV4 Prime has the advantage for fuel economy, which is not surprising. Toyota, with the Prius and many other hybrid models, is the worldwide leader for hybrid technology. The fuel economy of the RAV4 Prime is 94 MPGe, compared to 57 MPGe for the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.

With a plug-in hybrid, you can conveniently charge the vehicle at home or at a charging station. This gives it the ability to drive on electric-only power for short distances. On this front, the RAV4 Prime has a significant advantage. While the Grand Cherokee 4xe only provides 25 miles of electric range, the RAV4 Prime can drive on electric-only power for up to 42 miles.

Grand Cherokee 4xe vs. RAV4 Prime: Performance, towing, and off-road capabilities

On the performance front, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe easily outmuscles the Toyota RAV4 Prime. It boasts a total hybrid system output of 375 hp, compared to 302 hp for the RAV4 Prime. As far as acceleration time, the jury is still out, for Jeep hasn’t yet revealed it for the Grand Cherokee 4xe. However, the RAV4 Prime is very impressive for acceleration, with it able to go from 0-60 mph in only 5.7 seconds. The only Toyota model that has a faster acceleration time is the GR Supra sports car.

For towing, it’s not even a real contest between the two SUVs. The Grand Cherokee 4xe can tow up to 6,000 pounds, while the RAV4 Prime can only tow up to 2,500 pounds.

If you want a vehicle that can head off-road, then the Grand Cherokee 4xe is the better choice. It has the backing of years of legendary Grand Cherokee off-road performance. Along with its high-quality 4×4 system, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers other off-road-enhancing features like an air suspension system, hill-descent control, a rear electronic differential, a transfer case, and a sway bar disconnect function. Also, all Grand Cherokee 4xe models have a standard Selec-Terrain traction management system with five selectable traction settings. 

Grand Cherokee 4xe vs. RAV4 Prime: Passenger and cargo space

While both SUVs can seat up to five passengers, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 144.6 cu-ft, compared to 101.3 cu-ft for the RAV4 Prime. Also, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 70.8 cu-ft, compared to 63.2 cu-ft for the RAV4 Prime.

Grand Cherokee 4xe vs. RAV4 Prime: Price and availability

Jeep didn’t yet announce the pricing information for the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe, so for now, it’s not possible to make an accurate price comparison with the 2021 RAV4 Prime. However, the RAV4 Prime is likely the more affordable model. It costs $38,350 for the SE trim and $41,675 for the XSE trim. Pricing for the gas-powered 2021 Grand Cherokee ranged from $33,610 – $89,780. The price range for the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe should be even higher. This is due to the upgrades for the redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, as well as the fact that plug-in hybrids tend to be more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts.

Another thing to consider is availability. For most states, it’s difficult to find a RAV4 Prime at Toyota dealerships. The RAV4 Prime is in very high demand, and Toyota hasn’t been able to keep up with production. This is further exacerbated by the semiconductor chip shortage crisis. It remains to be seen if the Grand Cherokee 4xe will have availability issues as well.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime: Which plug-in hybrid SUV is better?

Given the many years of experience that Toyota has with hybrid vehicles, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is the safer bet. Compared to the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the RAV4 Prime gets better fuel economy, has a higher electric range — and, in all likelihood, is more affordable. However, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is a compelling choice, especially with its off-road capabilities and higher power output and towing capacity. It is also a better choice if you place a high priority on passenger and cargo space.