2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. Most trims, except the base L, featured projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, with the higher trims boasting LED running lamps and 20-inch wheels. The interior was where the Highlander truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The color palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, rivaling the Kia Telluride in terms of interior quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had matured since its debut, with a more proportioned look despite the short grille and swept-back headlights. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition. The Cherokee's interior was simple and businesslike, focusing on functionality rather than luxury. The trim level greatly influenced the interior's appeal, with the Trailhawk offering suede seat inserts and the Latitude Lux featuring perforated Nappa leather upholstery. The Cherokee's cabin was cleanly designed, providing a straightforward and distraction-free driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine, although it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it offered a calm and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. The Highlander also boasted good fuel economy, with the FWD model rated at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Cherokee's acceleration was decent, with the V6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was efficient and reliable. The Cherokee excelled in off-road capability, particularly the Trailhawk model, which included features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD, making it a cost-effective option for rental fleets.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander featured three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, and ample cargo space, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior was designed for convenience, with multiple cupholders and integrated dash shelves for storage. The controls were simple and legible, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than its competitors. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior was straightforward, with a focus on functionality rather than luxury. The trim level significantly influenced the interior's appeal, with the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offering more upscale features like suede seat inserts and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was limited in functionality, but Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The Highlander featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. Safety features included adaptive cruise control, road sign detection, and a JBL audio system.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was highly regarded, with intuitive controls and minimal latency. It offered two screen sizes, with the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The Cherokee supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience for various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top ratings in all crash tests.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories. The headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and others "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.