2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language with finesse while maintaining its unique character within the lineup. Its expressive front featured LED headlights and a large Audi Singleframe grille with horizontal elements accentuating width. The body displayed crisp character lines, and the greenhouse appeared like a protective shell. The rear end showcased bold, substantial taillights. Overall, the Q5 exuded a classy and modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish throughout. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version flaunted S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, making it even more attractive.

Inside, the Q5 maintained its classy and modern aesthetic. Despite being packed with technology, it managed to present an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs were smartly grouped by function. The material selection was top-notch, featuring authentic materials like real wood and metal. A floating 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned at the top of the center stack was within the driver’s direct line of sight. The second row was equally well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces throughout, ensuring a high level of interior elegance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, boasted a timeless design that held up beautifully more than a decade after its initial release. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, sitting on large wheels pushed to the corners under flared fenders. The design contributed significantly to its continued success, offering a balanced work of automotive art that defined the SUV aesthetic outside of the Jeep Wrangler realm.

The extensive lineup added to its appeal, ranging from affordable trims like the Laredo and Limited to upscale models like the Overland and Summit, and performance variants such as the SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium exterior enhancements from the Platinum Series Group, which included body-color mirror caps, door handles, side sills, and lower bumpers, along with a platinum chrome finish replacing sparkly bits.

Inside, the Summit trim boasted premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and a simulated suede headliner. The Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme added sharp contrast and elegance. Quilted seat bolsters and meticulously designed details, such as the thick-rimmed wood-and-leather steering wheel, elevated the cabin’s luxury feel. However, the interior showed signs of aging with old-school switchgear and non-flush panel fits, signaling the need for an update.

The 2021 Audi Q5, in its plug-in hybrid form (Q5 PHEV), enhanced an already fun-to-drive crossover with additional power. The PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, yielding a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds, making for compelling performance with its 4,665-lb curb weight. It also delivered impressive fuel economy figures, offering 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. The Q5 PHEV’s battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours using Level 2 service.

The Q5 PHEV utilized a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive and offered multiple driving modes, including electric-only, reserve battery power for later use, or fully hybrid. The handling was notable, with a sporty yet comfortable balance, minimal body roll, and predictable braking. Speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and independent suspension systems ensured a controlled and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a diverse powertrain lineup. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine offered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also included cylinder deactivation technology to enhance fuel efficiency, though it only managed 17 mpg combined. In real-world testing, the Grand Cherokee achieved 18.2 mpg on a mixed driving route.

Featuring Quadra-Trac II 4WD, the Grand Cherokee offered multiple traction settings (Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, Rock) and a Quadra-Lift air suspension system with variability in ground clearance. This setup allowed for an engaging off-road experience, complemented by tools like hill descent control. Despite outstanding off-road capability, daily driving revealed some drawbacks, such as a bouncy ride on rough surfaces, yet it delivered a quiet and swift performance overall.

Compact crossover SUVs like the 2021 Audi Q5 benefited from smart packaging. The Q5 PHEV housed its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. With 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, it offered considerable versatility. The rear legroom measured 37.8 inches, with ample headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches), allowing two adults to sit comfortably and a third for short trips. The front seats were notably comfortable and supportive, with extensive adjustments, heating, and ventilation options. Interior storage included cupholders, small cubbies, and a practical center-console bin.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit provided a commanding and supportive seating position. The quilted and perforated leather seats, part of the $4,995 Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the control integration in the infotainment system could be distracting. The rear seats were comfortable but tight on legroom for taller occupants. Folding dual seatback screens for rear-seat entertainment exacerbated the feeling of claustrophobia, though large windows and a panoramic sunroof mitigated it. Interior storage was adequate but hindered by the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Grand Cherokee outdid the Q5. It offered 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. This increased capacity was complemented by useful features like underfloor storage bins and an easily reachable power liftgate closing button.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known for its ease of use and intuitive touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views and significantly enhanced the driving experience. Combined with adjustable LED ambient lighting, the Q5’s cabin reached new levels of tech innovation. The Navigation Package included in the Prestige trim worked in tandem with the hybrid system for optimized performance.

The standard Integrated Toll Module (ITM) and available Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers and a 755-watt amplifier further elevated the Q5’s technology offerings. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, offering seamless smartphone integration.

Although the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Uconnect 4C with Nav was an older system, it still provided an excellent user experience with rapid response and clear graphics. It supported navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot access, and even a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM services, including Traffic Plus and Guardian, were also standard depending on trim levels.

Voice recognition technology performed admirably, and the Summit trim’s 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered a powerful sound. Despite its analog feel, the Grand Cherokee offered sophisticated 4WD systems and a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).