2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presented a bold and somewhat divisive front-end design. Chevrolet had opted to bring the Camaro's design language into its truck and SUV lineup, which resulted in small headlights and large, busy grilles that many considered to be unflattering. The overall design did not win everyone's approval and even led to speculation that an early refresh might happen in the future. The vehicle did, however, manage to maintain a sense of familiarity in its interior layout. Despite looking different, the controls remained intuitively placed. Chevy designers faced criticism for a chrome strip framing the infotainment screen, which often reflected sunlight directly into the driver’s eyes—perhaps a nod to consistently cloudy Detroit skies.

The Suburban came in several trims including LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and the top-tier High Country. Base models like the LS offered 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, tri-zone climate control, and other creature comforts. More luxurious trims, such as the High Country, added premium features like adaptive air suspension, power-retractable running boards, and dual seat-back 12.6-inch HD screens. However, despite its high price, the High Country trim lacked the soft-touch materials one might expect in a luxury SUV, leaving it more comparable to an upscale pickup rather than a high-end family hauler.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L stood out for its stylish exterior and refined proportions. Instantly recognizable as a Jeep, this SUV boasted the iconic seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and characteristic lighting arrangements. Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee L in multiple trims—Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Each trim level enhanced the already attractive design without disrupting its elegant proportions.

Our test model was the Summit trim, loaded with features like quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and a range of technological advancements. It embodied a new level of sophistication and quality, standing as a significant upgrade over previous models. Prices ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, making the Grand Cherokee L both luxurious and relatively affordable compared to other high-end SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and a more robust 6.2-liter V8 churned out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the Max Trailering package, the 5.3-liter V8 could tow up to 8,300 pounds. Our test model featured the Duramax turbodiesel engine, generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel drive (4WD).

The Duramax diesel engine provided excellent pickup, with its V8-level torque making it easy to get up to highway speeds. However, the vehicle's truck-based underpinnings revealed themselves in its handling. While the Suburban offered confidence-inspiring braking power and an updated independent rear suspension for a smoother ride, it still exhibited body-roll and some truck-like tendencies such as chatter over bumps and susceptibility to crosswinds.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This drivetrain could be configured with RWD or one of three 4WD systems. The maximum towing capacity stood at 6,200 pounds, and the V6 garnered a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg. An optional 5.7-liter V8 boosted the horsepower to 357 and torque to 390 lb-ft, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds while dropping fuel economy to 17 mpg combined.

Although the Grand Cherokee L featured brisk acceleration, the V6 engine was notably loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth but sometimes resisted downshifts to save fuel. Jeep also offered a Sport mode and several off-road modes, facilitated by the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension. With exceptional ground clearance settings (up to 10.9 inches) and off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee L was more than capable of handling rugged terrain.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban impressed with its massive cargo capacity. With the rear seats folded, it provided 144.7 cubic feet of storage space, facilitating an abundant amount of room for any sizeable load. Even with the second-row seats deployed, there were 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while 41.5 cubic feet remained behind the third row—comparable to many small crossovers. The commanding view of the road, coupled with generous head- and legroom, ensured a comfortable experience for passengers in both the front and second rows. However, some interior elements, like the button shifter and power-sliding center console, received mixed reviews for their practicality and ease of use.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a more refined approach to interior comfort. With heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, and ample legroom in the second-row captain’s chairs, the Grand Cherokee L Summit model exemplified luxury. Yet, its climate system’s dashboard vents were somewhat underwhelming in their effectiveness during hot Southern California summers.

The Jeep's second-row seats could tip and slide for easier third-row access without removing child safety seats. The third row itself provided enough comfort even for adults. While cargo capacity fell short of the Suburban, it still offered substantial storage with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM’s user-friendly infotainment system. It offered crisp graphics and a sensible layout, complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad and optional navigation system added to its functionality. An available rear entertainment system with large touchscreens and a helpful head-up display rounded out the tech offerings.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, boasting five times faster response and an improved user experience. The system was available with either an 8.4-inch or a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, which incorporated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Available advanced features included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, a digital rearview mirror, a night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system, which allowed parents to keep an eye on their kids.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured standard safety technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system was a notable addition, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits for younger drivers. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view monitor camera system. Some unique options available were the rear-view camera mirror and the Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated to provide alerts.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. It also offered Intersection Collision Assist, capable of detecting and applying brakes to avoid cross-traffic collisions. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, but crash-testing ratings were unavailable at the time of this review. Systems like Active Driving Assist and Intersection Collision Assist aimed to bring the Grand Cherokee L up to par with competitors.