2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with stout 4x4 underpinnings, appealing to wealthy British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering a variety of trims such as HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, while optional features ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, offering a seven-passenger model with an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. Its styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer models, was a strong selling point. The Grand Cherokee L was available in multiple trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, tested with 4WD and additional packages, showcased quilted leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology, though some interior materials fell short of expectations for its price.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse selection of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while its Terrain Response System offered various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or optional 4WD systems. The V6 offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and Selec-Terrain off-road modes, providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. Its stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride, while variable-ratio steering and large wheels offered capable handling.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five or optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing loading convenience. Interior storage included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, particularly in Summit trim, featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were small, affecting cooling efficiency. Standard captain’s chairs in the second row provided ample legroom, with optional bench seating available. The third row was comfortable for most adults, with large side windows offering a great view. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 84.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants but offered a useful storage console for second-row passengers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response modes. Integrated dials in the lower screen changed functions based on the selected menu. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob was included. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens, the system included wireless smartphone connectivity, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase was effective, though some search results were unexpected. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, night vision system, and Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of standard safety features, some competitors provided more as standard equipment.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.