2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender evoked nostalgia with its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights were a nod to traditional Land Rover aesthetics, contrasting sharply with the smoother contours of the Discovery. The Defender's design was both functional and stylish, featuring step plates and a ladder for roof access, although these were more decorative in modern iterations. The vehicle's taillights and external spare tire added to its rugged charm, while various design themes allowed for customization, making it a versatile choice for both urban and rural adventures. Inside, the Defender's interior was industrial and basic, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. Despite its high price, the interior lacked the opulence expected from a Land Rover, drawing comparisons to a Jeep Wrangler with superior materials.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its design, characterized by big wheels and flared fenders, contributed to its enduring success. The Grand Cherokee's lineup offered a range of options, from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, with its 5.7-liter V8 engine and premium features, exemplified the Grand Cherokee's versatility. The interior boasted premium leather, genuine wood, and aluminum accents, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, the aging design was evident in outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits, signaling the need for a redesign. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee remained a well-rounded SUV, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and off-road capability.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with impressive performance. Its optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and powerful ride. The mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag, ensuring consistent power delivery. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exceptional, aided by Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It tackled challenging terrains with ease, offering a perfect blend of throttle, gearing, and torque routing. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, with 296 horsepower, was more suited for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender's off-road prowess was complemented by its comfortable on-road performance, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for most driving needs. For those seeking more, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, along with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology improved fuel efficiency, though it still lagged behind in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, allowing for seamless transitions between different terrains. On the road, the Grand Cherokee was responsive and relatively quiet, though the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness were notable drawbacks. Its tight turning radius and effective brakes added to its practicality in various driving scenarios.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability, with a retro and minimalist design. Its interior was designed for practicality, featuring rubber floors and durable materials. The Defender 90, a unique two-door SUV, offered an optional jump seat, increasing seating capacity to six. The four-door 110 model provided an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The cabin layout was versatile, with generous headroom and legroom. Cargo space varied, with the two-door 90 offering 16 cubic feet and the four-door 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, showcasing its robust build.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, while comfortable, had limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. Cargo space was adequate, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior storage was limited, though practical features like grocery bag hooks were appreciated. The power liftgate and easy-folding rear seats added convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous iterations. It featured two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality. The interface was user-friendly, though some issues with map zoom icons and information overlays persisted. The Defender's off-road capabilities were supported by front cameras and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided sharp visuals. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like a 14-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times and intuitive controls. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, allowing for control of various features. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee's technology offerings were limited compared to newer models, its infotainment system remained a highlight, providing essential features and connectivity options.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender lacked ratings from U.S. crash testing agencies due to its limited volume. It featured six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras as standard. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing cars or cyclists.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance and a backup camera with guidance lines, enhancing its safety profile.