2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a welcome sight for a group of six weary travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. After a week in a Dodge Grand Caravan, the plush and spacious Expedition promised comfort and luxury. However, the SUV's inability to accommodate all the luggage was a notable drawback. Despite its luxurious Platinum trim, which topped the Expedition lineup, the standard-length model struggled with cargo space, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on their lap. The extended-length MAX version would have been a better fit for the group, offering more room for both passengers and luggage.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, offering a seven-passenger configuration with a third-row seat. Its design was based on the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, and it boasted a stylish appearance reminiscent of the larger Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, with the Summit trim offering a luxurious interior with quilted leather and real wood trim. While some interior materials fell short of expectations, the overall design and technology represented a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in most trims. The Platinum trim received a boost to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for easier trailer maneuvering. Despite its size, the Expedition impressed with its acceleration and handling, though the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels. The FX4 Off-Road Package was available for off-road enthusiasts, enhancing the SUV's capabilities with features like a two-speed transfer case and all-terrain tires.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available on higher trims, offered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L's V6 engine provided brisk acceleration, though it was loud when revved. The SUV featured various driving modes, including Sport and Selec-Terrain off-road modes, and the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension improved ride quality. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in off-road capabilities, with the Overland model offering maximum off-road features.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured a comfortable ride, and the power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easy. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more cargo space, though it still fell short of minivan capacities.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L provided comfort with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs offered ample legroom, and the third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults. However, the SUV lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L's design prioritized passenger comfort and convenience, making it a family-friendly option.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the aging Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. While the interface was user-friendly, the system was sometimes slow to respond. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging, but lacked the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. The test vehicle had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa compatibility. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered impressive sound quality. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of safety features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The SUV earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Intersection Collision Assist was standard on Summit models, detecting threats at intersections. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive package of safety features, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but improvements over the previous model were expected.