2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered a range of engine options, including the 45 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 55 TFSI with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A performance-tuned SQ7 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 was also available. The Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test vehicle, equipped with the Prestige trim, Navarra Blue metallic paint, and additional packages, totaled $74,290. Design updates improved the Q7's aesthetics, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, featuring three digital displays and Audi's Virtual Cockpit. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless design, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. The lineup included affordable Laredo and Limited trims, upscale Overland and Summit trims, performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models, and the off-road-capable Trailhawk. For 2021, minor updates were made to the Laredo and Limited trims, and new Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition versions debuted. Prices ranged from $35,000 to nearly $90,000. The test vehicle, a Summit trim with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and four-wheel drive, was priced at $68,185. The Platinum Series Group enhanced the Summit's appearance with body-color accents and platinum chrome finishes. Inside, the Summit featured premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a luxurious cabin. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to conserve fuel, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad. The Q7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, with a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The EPA estimated 18 mpg combined, but the test vehicle averaged 21 mpg on a road trip. The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension, enhancing ride quality. The Q7 excelled in agility, athleticism, and cabin quietness, making it a well-rounded luxury SUV.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, offered a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency, achieving 18.2 mpg on a mountainous loop. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee Summit was responsive and fairly quiet, with a tight turning radius and effective brakes. However, the V8 consumed more fuel in city driving, and the ride could be bouncy on uneven surfaces.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet. Folding it down expanded cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows provided 69.6 cubic feet. The Prestige trim's front seats were comfortable, with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and comfort features. However, interior storage was limited, with the Audi Phone Box taking up space in the center console. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's ambiance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. Interior storage was adequate, but the DVD/Blu-Ray player occupied most of the center console bin. The Grand Cherokee offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with additional storage bins around the spare tire. Folding the second-row seats was easy, providing 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen. It featured natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect services. The system was generally intuitive, but dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Prestige trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system. The 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was extensively used during the trip.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. It provided a nearly flawless user experience with fast response and pleasing graphics. The system included SiriusXM services and voice recognition technology. The Summit trim had a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," focusing on essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, rated "poor" by the IIHS due to excessive glare. It offered advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition technology and Active Lane Assist were problematic. The Q7 received the highest IIHS ratings for collision protection, except for the headlight assessment.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD, but a "Marginal" rating for driver safety and a "Poor" rating for front passenger safety in IIHS tests. The Summit trim included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The ParkSense parking assistance system was useful in low-traffic environments.