2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that grew on you with its understated elegance. It wasn't flashy, but its design choices were practical and purposeful. The dished hood improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate obstacles, while the bulging fenders provided both aesthetic appeal and functional space for wheel travel. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim and bronze wheels, enhancing its rugged yet refined appearance. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a luxurious experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit slightly plain, dashboard. The infotainment system was housed in a 9-inch touchscreen, surrounded by a plethora of buttons and knobs, providing a mix of old-school charm and modern functionality.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design that balanced rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its flared fenders and big wheels gave it a commanding presence, while the Summit trim added premium touches like body-color mirror caps and platinum chrome finishes. Inside, the Grand Cherokee Summit was a blend of luxury and practicality, featuring premium leather, genuine wood, and a partially digital instrument panel. However, the interior showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's cabin exuded a sense of luxury, with quilted seat bolsters and a thick-rimmed steering wheel enhancing the overall experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, provided the Land Cruiser with the capability to tackle both urban and off-road environments. Its suspension system, featuring a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowed for seamless adaptation to various terrains. With an approach angle of 32 degrees and a ground clearance of 8.9 inches, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped for overland adventures. Despite its size, the vehicle offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 for those seeking more power. The V8, with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, provided a satisfying rumble and a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension allowed for impressive off-road capabilities, with ground clearance adjustable from 8.6 to 10.8 inches. On the road, the Grand Cherokee was responsive and relatively quiet, though the V8's fuel economy was less than ideal. Its tight turning radius and effective braking system made it versatile for both city and off-road driving.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its exterior and interior features. Standard skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack made it ready for adventure, while the three-row configuration provided ample space for families. The interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making loading and unloading a breeze. With a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, it was well-suited for hauling.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat provided comfort, albeit with limited legroom for taller passengers. Cargo space was adequate, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The power liftgate and practical storage solutions added convenience, though the rear-seat entertainment system was best avoided due to space constraints.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system. The infotainment system was functional but felt dated compared to competitors with larger screens.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided a seamless user experience with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology was surprisingly effective, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," it offered essential features and a user-friendly interface.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including features like pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had 10 airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Safety Connect for emergency assistance. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for 4WD models but performed poorly in IIHS's small-overlap frontal-impact tests. 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 added convenience, though the Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were a concern.