2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium SUV, sitting between Chevrolet and Cadillac in terms of luxury. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins with its more upscale sibling. The 2020 model introduced a refreshed design, particularly noticeable at the front with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille, enhancing its upscale aspirations. Inside, the changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. Despite its premium positioning, the Acadia's interior mixed soft surfaces with hard plastics, and aside from leather upholstery and wood trim, it lacked distinctive premium features.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless design, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its design contributed significantly to its success, offering a range of trims from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit, and even performance-oriented models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a luxurious cabin feel. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's design remained a benchmark for what an SUV should look like.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a balanced driving experience, though it lacked memorable driving character. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was available, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology, achieving 18.2 mpg on a mountainous loop. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it versatile for both city and off-road driving.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim featuring six-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were wide and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The third-row seat, while roomier than expected, had limited space between the seat and the back of the SUV. Cargo space measured 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured flat, firm seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat offered comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. Cargo space behind the rear seat measured 36.3 cubic feet, with a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior storage was adequate, though the rear-seat entertainment system reduced center console space.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came equipped with essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution display and improved voice recognition. Additional technology included USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, a surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system provided a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response and pleasing graphics. The Grand Cherokee also included a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa, allowing remote vehicle access. The Summit trim boasted a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were limited, with features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking available only on higher trims. The Acadia received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS provided incomplete data.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance, enhancing its safety profile.