2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic, boxy design reminiscent of the beloved LR4, which was last seen in 2016. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and roundish headlights evoked nostalgia while maintaining a rugged, purposeful look. The Defender's design was a stark contrast to the smoother, more modern lines of the current Discovery, which had not been as well-received. The Defender's exterior featured practical elements like step plates and a ladder, though some were more for show than function. The taillights were designed to echo the old Defender's style, and the vehicle offered various customization options, from urban trims to off-road accessories.

Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and an optional center jump seat. The exposed aluminum bar and screws added to the utilitarian feel. While leather was available, many models featured water-resistant synthetic materials. The HSE trim, one step below the top-tier X, lacked the luxury expected at its $75,000 price point. The Defender's interior felt more like a commercial vehicle, with a focus on durability and functionality over luxury.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with its short grille and swept-back headlights becoming more accepted over time. The exterior appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more upscale look. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee's distinctive front end helped it stand out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with its performance. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid engine used an electric motor to eliminate turbo lag and provide consistent power. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission offered a sport mode for aggressive launches. Off-road, the Defender excelled with its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrain with ease. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, best suited for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with the ability to handle steep angles and deep water.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Cherokee's nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and fuel efficiency. While acceleration was not outstanding, the Cherokee's off-road capabilities were notable, especially in the Trailhawk model. The Trailhawk featured Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control, making it adept at handling rough terrain. The Cherokee was available in FWD, which helped keep the price down for rental fleets and budget-conscious buyers.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality. Its interior was designed for tough conditions, with rubber floors and water-resistant materials. The two-door 90 model could seat up to six people with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 offered seating for up to seven with an optional third row. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with the 90 offering 16 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 58 cubic feet with them folded. The 110 provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was an impressive 8,200 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than many competitors. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with higher trims offering more upscale materials like suede seat inserts and Nappa leather upholstery. The Cherokee's cabin was designed for practicality, with easy-to-use controls and a clean design.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, which was a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air software updates. The interface was more user-friendly, though some issues remained, such as small zoom icons on the map. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras that showed the ground underneath the hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The base Defender 110 came with standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and 360-degree cameras. Higher trims offered additional luxuries like a heated steering wheel and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was highly regarded for its ease of use. It was available with a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, both of which were responsive and user-friendly. The Cherokee supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only with wired connections. It also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa. Remote start was available, adding convenience for drivers in various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar and reliable experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies and was unlikely to be rated due to its price and limited volume. It came with six airbags, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras as standard. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts for passing cars or cyclists when exiting the vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It received top "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories but had mixed ratings for headlights. The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was available on higher trims.