If you want an off-road-worthy and family-friendly SUV, then there aren't too many choices that can tick off every box. The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is an affordable crossover and decent off-road vehicle. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a bit larger and more off-road worthy, with more features to boot. Read on to learn how these two models compare across various categories our customers have told us are important to them, or learn more about the new Grand Cherokee by itself with our model research page.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4: Interior & Exterior Design
The interior of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is full of pleasant soft-touch surfaces and upscale looks. However, in upper trims the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee feels truly luxurious, with features like heated and cooled leather seats.
- 20-in. wheels are only available on the Grand Cherokee
- Trailhawk editions of the Grand Cherokee have red tow hooks and an anti-glare hood decal
- The Grand Cherokee has the classic seven-slot Jeep grille, while the RAV4 has a less distinctive front end
- Both models have steering-wheel mounted audio controls, although the Grand Cherokee is available with a wood-and-leather wrapped steering wheel
- The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is available with ambient footwell lighting, but the Grand Cherokee has illuminated entry and cup holders, plus under-seat lighting
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4: Technology
Drivers want more and more technology for their daily commute, and why shouldn't they? Now, you can enjoy all your phone apps without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road, and keep the kids occupied too, with the Grand Cherokee.
- Grand Cherokee Uconnect® infotainment is easier to use and has a larger screen than the Toyota RAV4 Entune™ infotainment
- Grand Cherokee 19-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio is superior to the Toyota RAV4 11-speaker JBL® GreenEdge™ premium audio
- Rear Blu-Ray/DVD-playing video screens are found only in the Grand Cherokee
- Active noise control is found only in the Grand Cherokee
- Advanced driver assistance technology is found only on the Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4: Power & Performance
If you are looking for the more powerful of the two SUVs, there's no debate. The 2017 RAV4 has a single engine choice, while the 2017 Grand Cherokee has three, all of which have more horsepower and towing ability than the Toyota model. The Grand Cherokee's V8 engine can tow up to 7,400 lbs.!
Finally, although the 2017 RAV4 has great ground clearance and an AWD drive system that comes in handy in snow and on dirt roads, there's a reason why Jeep 4x4 systems are so acclaimed. Quadra-Trac® I features a brake lock differential and Quadra-Trac® II features a two-speed transfer case for rock crawling. Quadra-Drive® II features a rear electronic limited slip differential, and can transfer up to 100% of engine torque to a single wheel if necessary.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Model | 2017 Toyota RAV4 |
3.6L V6 | Standard Engine | 2.5L I4 |
295 HP | Horsepower | 176 HP |
260 lb.-ft. | Torque | 172 lb.-ft. |
6,200 lbs. | Tow Rating | 1,500 lbs. |
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4: Seating & Cargo Capacity
Both of these SUVs are two-row, five-passenger models. The Toyota RAV4 has slightly more cargo room, but the Grand Cherokee has significantly more passenger room so you and all of your passengers can sit comfortably. Additionally, a split-folding rear seat and flat-folding front passenger seat are standard in the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Which Has More Space? | ||
 | 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2017 Toyota RAV4 |
Front Head Room | ✓ |  |
Rear Head Room | ✓ |  |
Front Shoulder Room | ✓ |  |
Rear Shoulder Room | ✓ |  |
Front Hip Room | ✓ |  |
Rear Hip Room | ✓ |  |
Front Leg Room |  | ✓ |
Rear Leg Room | ✓ |  |
Rear Cargo Room |  | ✓ |
Schedule a Test Drive
Do you think that the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the right choice for your needs? Pick one out of our inventory, and then come take a test drive at our Jeep dealership in Union Grove, WI and know for sure! You can also learn more about how to save on the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee with our manufacturer incentives.
Contact us with any questions you might have about the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee or our Jeep dealership in Union Grove, WI.
