2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that incorporated newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding more features and luxury touches. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, which was a critical feature for families.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had mellowed since its debut. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were initially polarizing, they became more acceptable over time. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. The Cherokee also featured an optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its appeal. Despite its unique look, the Cherokee stood out in a crowded crossover SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, which was rarely used but could assist with its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version returned the best fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to surprisingly decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

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 nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF proved to be a capable, fuel-saving transmission. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD to keep prices competitive, though most buyers likely opted for the more capable AWD versions.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families with specific needs.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, fell short in utility compared to other compact SUVs. It offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, which was less than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout varied by trim level, with higher trims offering more upscale materials and features.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system was a notable feature, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers without straining their voice.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa. Remote start was available, adding convenience for drivers in various climates. The Uconnect system was praised for its ease of use and minimal latency issues.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on higher trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating. The Cherokee offered standard safety features like lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.