2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 various trims like 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 higher trims added more luxurious touches like massaging seats and rear-seat entertainment systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless style, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its design, characterized by big wheels and flared fenders, contributed to its success. The Grand Cherokee lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a plush interior with premium leather, genuine wood, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. However, despite its luxurious feel, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits, indicating a need for a redesign.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse selection of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a similar engine, tuned to deliver 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 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. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and off-road capability, with an electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System offering various drive modes for different conditions.

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. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, paired with a Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it still achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in various driving situations.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxurious interior, the Range Rover's cargo space was less than some competitors. The unique two-piece power liftgate facilitated easy loading, and the center-console compartment provided convenient storage.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a supportive seat with a heated steering wheel, thanks to the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, with heating and ventilation controls embedded in the Uconnect infotainment system. The rear seat, while comfortable, had somewhat snug legroom for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet when the second-row seats were folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the rear-seat entertainment system took up space in the center console bin.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob provided tactile control. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, allowing control of various features through voice commands. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

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

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS testing 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, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system and backup camera with guidance lines aided in parking.