2021 Jeep Grand 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. While the base L trim lacked some features, higher trims like Limited and Platinum boasted projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, along with attractive 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 Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, making it a standout in its class. Despite its exterior being described as somewhat boring, the Highlander's interior was inviting and well-crafted.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design that combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its flared fenders and big wheels gave it a balanced and appealing look. The Grand Cherokee lineup was diverse, ranging from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine, four-wheel drive, and premium interior materials like leather and genuine wood. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's design and versatility contributed to its continued success.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for quick acceleration. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it provided a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the AWD version offered slightly lower figures.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was available, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, along 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 combined. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in various driving conditions.

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's ergonomics were praised, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seating heights. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including shelves integrated into the dash and multiple cupholders.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat offered comfort but limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. Cargo space measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet when the second-row seats were folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior storage was adequate, though the rear-seat entertainment system occupied much of the center console bin.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was criticized for its outdated interface and low-resolution screens. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, was not fully utilized for maps or vehicle options. However, the Highlander offered a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, providing useful information. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The optional JBL audio system was decent, and the vehicle came with various connectivity options and safety features.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided 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 Grand Cherokee offered a premium Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers, delivering excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee was considered "tech lite," it provided essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for its crash test performance and emergency braking capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were a concern, particularly in IIHS testing. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions was rated "Marginal" for the driver and "Poor" for the front passenger. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ProTech II Package on the Summit trim included additional safety technologies.