2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a seamless design, indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a discreet "P400e" badge. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, avoiding any unnecessary styling changes that could detract from its appeal. This approach underscored Land Rover's understanding of design as a crucial factor in vehicle selection, ensuring the PHEV remained attractive despite its higher price point. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, boasted a striking Firenze Red paint, black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag, although some practical aspects, like the narrow armrests, fell short of expectations.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling evolved over time, becoming more proportionate and appealing. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels. Jeep's mastery of roof design was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, particularly from the front. Its design was practical and straightforward, with a focus on functionality rather than luxury or technological excess.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to factors like climate control usage or terrain. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over 28.4 miles in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, showing a modest improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the steering, while improved, was not particularly fast. Off-road capabilities remained robust, with multiple traction settings and a 4WD system, but recharging the battery proved frustratingly slow.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. While none of these engines provided exceptional acceleration, the Cherokee's nine-speed automatic transmission delivered reliable performance. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, equipped with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD, appealing to budget-conscious buyers, though the 4WD models were more popular for their enhanced capabilities.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was limited due to the battery placement, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot area. The interior comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a panoramic glass roof that brightened the cabin. However, practical storage was lacking, and the narrow armrests were less comfortable than the center console armrest. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a high seating position and good thigh support, with features like 4-zone automatic climate control enhancing comfort.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the lower end of the compact SUV class. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet. The interior was simple and functional, with trim levels influencing the level of luxury. The Trailhawk featured suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching, while the Latitude Lux offered perforated Nappa leather upholstery. The cabin design was straightforward, focusing on practicality rather than luxury or technology.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating, even for tech-savvy users. Despite spending time setting up the system, it sometimes behaved unpredictably, lacking haptic feedback. While the technology was necessary to manage the vehicle's complexity, it could be bewildering for some drivers.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control accessibility. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience for drivers in varying climates.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included numerous advanced driver-assistance systems, though the steering-assist system could be intrusive. The vehicle's high center of gravity contributed to head-toss, requiring smooth driving to minimize discomfort. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's substantial weight provided some reassurance in collisions.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in most IIHS crashworthiness categories, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" on lower trims. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.