2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Buick Envision had undergone a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, was sold in China and North America. The 2021 model was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a more planted appearance with premium crossover styling. It featured three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut in the Envision lineup. The Avenir models came with upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific pearl nickel wheels, while the interior featured leather-appointed seating and a head-up display (HUD).

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. It was available in multiple trim levels, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, which we tested, included features like quilted and perforated leather seats, real wood trim, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This was a downgrade from the previous model's 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision's performance was more about comfortable cruising than sporty driving. It offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The FWD model achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Envision's drivability was competent but not particularly engaging, with noticeable engine and road noise.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD, produced 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the tow rating to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. Our test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but with noticeable engine noise. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension, offering up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and various off-road modes, making it capable of tackling challenging terrain.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not translate into improved cabin space. Despite a longer wheelbase, it had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front passenger's access to controls, and forward visibility was not great. However, the Envision offered standard heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, especially in Summit trim, provided a comfortable and luxurious experience. It featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults, and the Grand Cherokee L offered practical storage solutions, including a storage console between the captain's chairs. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, which was responsive and displayed necessary functionalities clearly. It included standard features like USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, a HUD, and wireless device charging. However, the infotainment system was driver-centric, making it difficult for the front passenger to use.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. It came with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, with our test vehicle featuring the larger screen. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also offered a natural voice-recognition system and an optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured standard safety equipment, including a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, rear-seat alert, automatic emergency braking, and teen-driver monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. It also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L offered a complete package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's ratings.