2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. Its balanced appearance made it suitable for both rugged trails and upscale settings, appealing to a diverse range of buyers. The Grand Cherokee's pricing started at $32,150 for the Laredo model and went up to $52,495 for the Summit, with high-performance versions like the SRT and Trackhawk priced even higher. The Limited X model, tested at $53,275, featured a Slate Blue Pearl exterior with a sport-themed design and 20-inch aluminum wheels, offering a mild-custom look. However, the interior, especially in models priced over $50,000, was criticized for its use of hard plastics, which detracted from the overall premium feel.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90 in Volvo's lineup, was built on the SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. Its design featured an elegant, tailored crossover look with short overhangs and crisp body details, highlighted by the iconic Thor's hammer LED headlights. The XC60's paint quality, chrome, and trim were meticulously executed, and the interior was praised for its Scandinavian style, with clean lines and authentic materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, and the cabin's attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents, contributed to its near-luxury status.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing satisfying acceleration and an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the test vehicle achieved only 19.4 mpg. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available, including a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp, a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT with 475 hp, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk with 707 hp. The Trackhawk was capable of 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee offered various 4WD systems, with the Limited X featuring Quadra-Trac II 4WD. While it excelled off-road, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across its lineup, with T5 models producing 250 hp, T6 models 316 hp, and T8 models, which were plug-in hybrids, offering up to 400 hp. The T8 Polestar Engineered model, tested, delivered 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided agile handling, and the cabin was quiet and comfortable. The T8 PHEV offered an electric-only range of up to 19 miles and achieved 27 mpg combined. The XC60's driving experience was smooth and secure, making it an excellent choice for road trips.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front seats were heated and power-adjustable, but ventilation was not available in the Limited X trim. The infotainment system integrated seat heater controls, which could be inconvenient. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats praised for their comfort. The heating system performed well in cold conditions, and the vehicle's ability to handle winter weather was impressive. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with ample space for passengers and cargo. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. It was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.