2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's front-end design was polarizing, with a mix of small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't favor its massive frame. The interior, however, remained familiar and functional, with controls in their usual places and a touchscreen framed by a chrome strip that could reflect sunlight into the driver's eyes. The Suburban offered various trim levels, from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort. The High Country trim, which we tested, included upscale features like a panoramic sunroof and a rear-seat media system but still lacked the soft-touch materials found in true luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more accepted over time, though its short grille and swept-back headlights were still divisive. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition. Jeep excelled in roof design, offering an optional panoramic sunroof that covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 was also available, delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Our test vehicle featured the newly available Duramax turbodiesel engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The diesel engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, making it suitable for both city driving and highway speeds. The Suburban's truck-based underpinnings were evident in its handling, offering a smooth ride but susceptible to crosswinds and turbulence from semi-trucks.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 270 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The V6 and turbo-four engines provided decent acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in front-wheel drive, making it a more affordable option for rental fleets and budget-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban boasted massive cargo space, with 144.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it offered 93.8 cubic feet, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road and ample head- and legroom. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, but the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a complex feature that added little value, but the sheer volume of passenger and cargo space made the Suburban a practical choice.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee filled a niche between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee. However, it lagged in cargo space, offering only 26 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. This 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 was simple and businesslike, with higher trims offering more upscale materials like suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM’s intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available wireless device charging pad made it a convenient setup. Optional features included a navigation system, a rear entertainment system with large touchscreens, and a helpful head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens. Both screen sizes supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience for drivers in various climates. The Uconnect system was praised for its ease of use and consistency across different Stellantis vehicles.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety credentials.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, full-speed forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was only available on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.