2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the model introduced in 2015, retained its 2017 design updates, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2021, the Premier trim was discontinued, leaving the LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The LT trim added features like heated mirrors, LED lights, and upgraded seating, with optional styling and driver assistance packages.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with its unique grille and headlights becoming more accepted over time. The appearance varied by trim, from the basic Latitude to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition. The Cherokee offered a panoramic sunroof and stood out in a crowded SUV market, resembling the larger Grand Cherokee. Interior satisfaction depended on the trim, with options ranging from basic to upscale finishes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over rough roads, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine choices. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered 271 horsepower. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which improved fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, featuring Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided decent headroom and legroom, though rear seats lacked comfort for long trips. It featured multiple storage options and a low cupholder placement. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items, but there was no power liftgate option.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than competitors. It had about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, competitive in its class. The interior was simple and functional, with trim levels affecting material quality. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale finishes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-use menus and vivid graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee boasted the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. It offered 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, depending on the trim. Both supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wired. The Cherokee also featured a 4G WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa integration, and optional remote start.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA but lacked a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It came standard with airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection. However, it lacked advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.