2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, carried over design updates from 2017, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added heated mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seats, with optional styling and driver assistance packages.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a fourth-generation model, maintained its timeless design, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. The lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit, and performance-focused SRT and Trackhawk. For 2021, minor updates were made to the Laredo and Limited, and new Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition versions were introduced. The Summit trim, with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and 4WD, featured premium leather, wood, and aluminum interior, though some elements showed signs of aging.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, harsh over potholes, but a tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable and fun-to-drive experiences.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, offered a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation for better fuel efficiency, though it averaged 17 mpg. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced off-road capabilities, while the Grand Cherokee remained responsive and relatively quiet during daily driving.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, though rear seats lacked bolstering for long distances. Front storage included multiple trays and low cupholder placement for large bottles. 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 option for a power liftgate.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured flat, firm, and supportive seats with an eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. Interior storage was adequate, though the DVD/Blu-Ray player took up space in the center console bin. Cargo space was 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The power liftgate and thoughtful storage solutions added convenience.

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

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience, fast response, and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM services provided satellite radio, Traffic Plus, Travel Link, and Guardian services. The voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. Standard equipment included airbags and a backup camera, with the LT Convenience Package adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. Rivals offered more comprehensive safety features.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety ratings. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but performed poorly in IIHS small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Summit trim included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Parking assistance and a backup camera with guidance lines were also included.