Last updated: 2026-03-04

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Venza: Reliability Compared

Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability comparison

Jeep Grand Cherokee

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota Venza reliability comparison

Toyota Venza

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota Venza? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Venza currently leads with an average score of 80/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Venza Generations Compare?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently in its fifth generation (WL), introduced in 2021. Being relatively early in its generation cycle, it may experience typical first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial production quirks. However, Jeep's experience with previous generations could mitigate this. In contrast, the Toyota Venza is in its second generation (XU80), which debuted in 2021. This model received a refresh in 2023, suggesting Toyota is addressing any early-cycle issues. Generally, later in a generation, models like the Venza tend to be more reliable as manufacturers refine the design and address initial problems, offering buyers a potentially more dependable choice.

Verdict

The Toyota Venza is more reliable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, scoring 80/100 vs 66/100.

The Toyota Venza significantly outperforms the Jeep Grand Cherokee in terms of reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 91/100 compared to the Grand Cherokee's 67/100. The Venza has a remarkably low owner complaint rate of 0.2 per 10,000 sold versus 6.8 for the Grand Cherokee, and has only experienced 5 recalls over four years, while the Grand Cherokee has had 97 recalls across nine years. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates favor the Venza with an annual cost of $444, compared to $666 for the Grand Cherokee. These factors, along with fewer common issues, make the Venza a more reliable choice for midsize SUV buyers.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota Venza costs $222 less per year to repair
  2. 2Toyota Venza has 92 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Toyota Venza scores 14 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Jeep Grand Cherokee
—
5Toyota Venza
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Venza: Which Is More Reliable?

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Venza at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricJeep Grand CherokeeToyota Venza
Reliability Score66/10080/100
Years Tracked94
Total Recalls975
Complaints per 10k Sold6.80.2
Annual Repair Cost$666/yr$444/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.5/yr
Major Repair Risk13%10%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2024 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins04

What Are the Common Problems With the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Venza?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee exhibits a higher volume and variety of complaints compared to the Toyota Venza, particularly in critical areas such as the electrical system, which alone accounts for 846 complaints, 15 of which are crash-linked. The Grand Cherokee also shows significant issues in the power train and steering systems, with 285 and 246 complaints respectively, and notable crash-linked incidents in both categories. In contrast, the Toyota Venza's problem profile is minimal, with only nine total complaints, focusing primarily on exterior lighting and the fuel/propulsion system, and notably absent of crash-linked incidents. The Grand Cherokee's air bags category, with 63 complaints and 37 linked to crashes, further highlights its safety concerns relative to the Venza's more limited scope of issues.

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Venza common problem areas comparison
ComponentJeep Grand CherokeeToyota Venza
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.2Low—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.9Very Low—None
POWER TRAIN0.7Very Low—None
STEERING0.6Very Low—None
SERVICE BRAKES0.5Very Low—None
ENGINE0.4Very Low—None
SUSPENSION0.2Very Low—None
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Jeep Grand Cherokee or Toyota Venza?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Toyota Venza emerges as a more cost-effective option for maintenance and repairs. Its annual repair cost is $444, which is $222 less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee's $666 per year. Over five years, this difference amounts to $1,110 in savings. While the Venza requires more frequent visits at 0.5 times per year compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 0.3, its major repair risk is lower at 10% versus 13%. For cost-conscious buyers prioritizing long-term affordability and reliability, the Toyota Venza offers better value.

How Does Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Venza Reliability Compare by Year?

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Venza year-by-year reliability scores
YearJeep Grand CherokeeToyota VenzaEdge
202466/10020R / 204C80/1002R / 0CToyota Venza
202363/10022R / 363C80/1002R / 0CToyota Venza
202262/10014R / 192C80/1000R / 2CToyota Venza
202163/10015R / 427C79/1001R / 7CToyota Venza

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee scored 66/100 and the 2024 Toyota Venza scored 80/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs the Toyota Venza?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Toyota Venza is your best choice. With a high reliability score of 91/100, significantly fewer recalls, and only 0.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, the Venza promises a worry-free ownership experience. Its estimated annual repair cost is just $444, and the major repair risk is a modest 10%, making it an excellent option for those who want to minimize unexpected expenses. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Jeep Grand Cherokee's distinct style and capabilities, be prepared for higher maintenance demands. With a reliability score of 67/100, 97 total recalls, and more frequent complaints, the Grand Cherokee may require more attention. Its annual repair costs are estimated at $666, and there's a 13% chance of major repairs. Choose this if you value its features and are willing to manage the higher upkeep.

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Venza: Common Questions

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee more reliable than the Toyota Venza?
Based on our data, the Toyota Venza is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Toyota Venza?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has more recalls (97) compared to the Toyota Venza (5). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Toyota Venza?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Venza has a lower complaint rate at 0.2 per 10,000 sold versus 6.8 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Toyota Venza?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota Venza is cheaper to maintain at $444/year versus $666/year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Toyota Venza safer?
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Venza received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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