Is the Jeep Cherokee 4XE or the Toyota Sequoia the Better $60K Hybrid SUV?
The Toyota Sequoia and Jeep Cherokee 4xe are both hybrid SUVs that start around $60k. But their similarities end there. Toyota shocked the automotive world by making the third generation of its full-size, third-row Sequoia SUV a hybrid. But Jeep went one step further, building a plug-in hybrid version of its Grand Cherokee: the 4xe.
Does the Toyota Sequoia or Jeep 4xe get better fuel mileage?
Firstly, the Jeep 4xe drivetrain is a plug-in hybrid. When the Grand Cherokee is fully charged it offers 26 miles of electric-only range. It also can recharge its battery with regenerative braking. It is a bit heavier than a regular Grand Cherokee, so if its battery were to go completely flat, it would get just 23 city/24 highway mpg (23 combined).
How does this work? Well, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has a relatively traditional front-engine, 4WD powertrain. But between its turbocharged I4 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, it also has a powerful electric motor/generator. And between its frame rails, it carries a large lithium-ion battery.
The Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, offers no all-electric range. Its battery is much smaller than the Grand Cherokee’s and is tucked under its third-row seat. It does have an electric motor/generator between its turbocharged V6 and 10-speed automatic for regenerative braking. This system probably helps out its mpg during stop/go driving. Its resulting fuel mileage 21 city/24 highway mpg (22 combined).
Is the Toyota Sequoia bigger than the Grand Cherokee 4xe?
Jeep does offer a Grand Cherokee L with a third row of seating. But it does not offer this longer SUV with a 4xe drivetrain. This means that if you need more than five seatbelts, the hybrid Jeep is a no-go for you.
The new Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, has both a hybrid powertrain and a third row of seats. If you option your Sequoia with two captain’s chairs for its second row, it will seat seven. If you go for the second-row bench seat, you get eight seat belts.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is closer in size to the Toyota 4Runner than the Toyota Sequoia. The Sequoia can not only seat more people than the Jeep, but it is a larger vehicle with a much higher towing capacity: a 2WD Sequoia can pull over 9,500 pounds.
Is the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro as good as a Jeep off road?
One interesting similarity between the Toyota Sequoia hybrid and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is that both vehicles market their 4×4 capabilities, and lean on their heritage as off-roading brands.
Sequoia’s highest-trim off-roader is the TRD Pro. This version of the Sequoia features the same tuned suspension and BBS alloy rims as the Tundra TRD Pro. But it does not get the Tundra’s lift kit. It does enjoy an entire suite of off-road driver aid software previously only available on the Tacoma/4Runner.
The TRD Pro’s off-road capabilities benefit from the i-FORCE MAX hybrid drivetrain’s 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. But its 6,000+ pound weight will make it a difficult vehicle to really rip on some trails. Its $78,395 MSRP will also make some drivers squeamish about putting it through its paces.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers a Trailhawk trim which includes similar off-road upgrades. Like the Wrangler Rubicon, the Trailhawk gets elite off-roader features, such as a front swaybar disconnect and adjustable air suspension to make up for its heavy battery.
Next, check out some alternatives to popular hybrid Toyota SUVs or see the Sequoia reviewed in the video below:
