2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a sleek and sophisticated appearance, with only a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate to distinguish it from other models. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, making it nearly invisible unless pointed out. This design choice ensured that the vehicle's aesthetic appeal remained uncompromised, a crucial factor given the $4,750 premium for the PHEV powertrain. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its already impressive presence. Inside, the cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite being over a decade old, continued to impress with its timeless design. The fourth-generation model balanced rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders. The Grand Cherokee's versatility was evident in its wide range of trims, from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk. The test vehicle, a Summit trim with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and 4WD, was priced at $68,185. The Platinum Series Group added body-color mirror caps, door handles, and a platinum chrome finish, giving the SUV a more premium look. Inside, the Summit's cabin was dressed in premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Land Rover claimed an all-electric driving range of up to 31 miles, but the test vehicle struggled to achieve this, often switching to the gasoline engine prematurely. Despite this, the SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a notable improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV featured an adaptive air suspension, various driving modes, and 21-inch wheels, providing a comfortable and athletic driving experience. It also retained the standard model's off-roading capabilities, with a permanent 4WD system and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water.

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, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also featured cylinder deactivation technology, achieving 18.2 mpg on a mountainous loop. The Grand Cherokee Summit's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain traction management made it adept at off-roading. The SUV provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, though the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness were drawbacks.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing the already tight 27.5-cubic-foot area behind the back seat. The raised cargo floor also made it difficult to secure items. However, the SUV comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The test vehicle's 4-zone automatic climate control and panoramic glass roof added to the interior's appeal, though practical storage was limited.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with flat, firm, and supportive seats. The Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package added quilted and perforated leather, enhancing the cabin's premium feel. Both front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Rear-seat comfort was good, though legroom was somewhat snug for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Practical storage solutions included a recessed bin and storage bins around the spare tire.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, the system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, and the lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the confusion. While the technology was necessary to manage the vehicle's complexity, it could be a source of frustration for technophobes.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times, pleasing graphics, and separate primary stereo controls. Features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. The voice recognition technology worked well, and the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Summit trim delivered excellent sound quality. The Grand Cherokee's technology was more straightforward and user-friendly compared to the Range Rover Sport.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including a new steering-assist system. However, the SUV's higher center of gravity and head-toss effect could be distracting. The lane-keeping assist system was also abrupt, leading to the decision to turn off some of these features. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were a mixed bag. While the 4WD model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, the IIHS gave it "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for small-overlap frontal impacts. The Grand Cherokee Summit came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system and backup camera added to the vehicle's safety credentials.