2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E attempted to evoke the traditional Mustang’s iconic design elements, despite being an entirely different type of vehicle. Featuring four doors and a rear hatch, the Mach-E still channeled the Mustang’s spirit with its thin headlights, extended hood, and prominent (though nonfunctional) oval grille. The tail lights mimicked the original Mustang with sequential turn signals, reinforcing this connection. To bolster this sporty image, Ford offered a vibrant exterior color palette, such as the Grabber Blue seen on our test car.

Inside, the Mach-E's design focused on minimalism. A massive infotainment touchscreen dominated the dashboard, suspended awkwardly in the center. A visually thin rectangular display acting as the instrument cluster displayed speed with "ground speed" terminology, reminiscent of other Mustang models. There was also the familiar rotary gear selector on the center console. This layout created a minimalist and high-tech ambiance that aligned closely with Tesla's stylings, which was likely intentional.

The interior materials were decent in quality and subdued to match the minimalist theme. Nonetheless, some buyers could have found the lack of a leather upholstery option disappointing, as even the top trims featured a synthetic material named ActiveX. First Edition models were distinct with red brake calipers, brushed aluminum pedals, and “First Edition” kickplates, marking the first wave of production units.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L took a different approach. As a brand-new seven-passenger model not based on the existing Grand Cherokee, it was distinctly styled to echo the impending Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, creating a visual kinship with more expensive full-size SUVs.

The Grand Cherokee L’s design was polished, with no awkward lines or disproportions. Its quintessential Jeep features—seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements—ensured instant recognition and appeal across all trim levels.

Offered in various trims like Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L’s pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. Our Summit trim test model boasted four-wheel drive, metallic paint, the Advanced Pro Tech Group, the Luxury Tech Group, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system, summing up to $64,770.

Even at this price point, some interior materials didn't meet expectations. Nevertheless, the Summit’s quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and robust technology significantly elevated its interior. Overall, the new Grand Cherokee interior marked a substantial improvement over the older model.

The Mach-E was engineered to uphold the Mustang’s sporty reputation. It was RWD by default, delivering respectable power even at the base level. The entry-level RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, allowing a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 6.1 seconds according to Ford.

The most powerful version was the AWD GT Performance Edition, offering 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint accomplished within 3.5 seconds. Our test car, however, had the mid-level AWD powertrain, offering 346 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque, and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds—faster than the Audi E-Tron and close to the Jaguar I-Pace, both of which cost significantly more.

The Mach-E handled corners with competence. Light steering feel paired with responsive control made cornering easier. The battery pack's low mount provided a grounded and nimble feel despite added weight. However, the taut suspension, essential for sporty handling, negatively impacted ride comfort, particularly with 19-inch wheels equipped in our test car. The Mach-E featured three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—with minimal performance difference among them. It also offered one-pedal driving and well-tuned friction brakes.

Conversely, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a very different driving experience. Every model 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 powertrain provided RWD or three different 4WD systems and a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds, achieving an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving.

A V8 engine option, available only on higher trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds though dropping combined fuel economy to 17 mpg. This upgrade added $3,295 for 4WD models.

Our test model, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, displayed brisk acceleration but was noisy when revved. The eight-speed transmission was smooth though somewhat resistant to downshifting. Average fuel economy was a mere 17.8 mpg in testing. The Grand Cherokee L’s driving modes included Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with varying performances. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in models like the Overland, offering up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and a water-fording capability of 24 inches.

Overall, the Grand Cherokee L presented a stiffer structure evident in its smooth ride quality and stout feel behind the wheel. However, in Auto mode, it felt soft over uneven terrain. The air suspension provided satisfactory control, and large 20-inch wheels ensured capable handling.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, felt more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. The low driving position and roofline hampered the sense of spaciousness, even with the panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E offered less interior space in both rows. The Model Y also provided more cargo space with 68 cubic feet versus the Mach-E’s 59.7 cubic feet. The Mach-E carried a decent cargo space with the second row up (29.7 cubic feet) and a 4.7-cubic-foot frunk, making it better than some competitors.

The cabin's storage solutions included a central bin under a flip-up armrest and a large, flat area beneath the touchscreen suitable for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

In contrast, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with ample comfort and interior space, particularly in the Summit trim. It featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustments, and a four-zone automatic climate control system, albeit with undersized dashboard vents.

Second-row captain’s chairs provided excellent legroom and comfort, with options for a bench seat. Storage space was practical, including a console between the captain's chairs useful for third-row passengers. Child safety seat installation was user-friendly, and the third row was comfortable for most adults.

Cargo space behind the third row stood at 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats down, and maxing out at 84.6 cubic feet, making it highly capable for family hauling needs.

The Mach-E debuted Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air updates, displayed on a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The screen's layout showed all functions at once, which was text-heavy and less aesthetically pleasing. Despite a large volume knob at the bottom, climate controls via touchscreen were less intuitive than traditional buttons.

Standard audio included SiriusXM 360L, and the Premium, GT, and First Edition trims got a nine-speaker B&O sound system. The instrument cluster had a 10.2-inch display, wrapping all essential driver's information.

In comparison, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L utilized Uconnect 5, offering a faster and more intuitive experience with 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch touchscreen options. Our test model featured the larger screen, enhancing the dashboard's overall appearance. User experience quirks were manageable, highlighted by wireless smartphone integration, an excellent voice-recognition system, and rich connected services.

The 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided high-quality sound with distinct bass tones. Add-ons included a digital instrumentation panel, rearview mirror display, night vision, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitor. The optional head-up display was particularly appreciated for visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The Mach-E's safety features were comprehensive, though crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS weren't available at launch. Standard safety included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering, among others. A 360-degree camera system was standard on higher trims. Active Drive Assist promised hands-free driving on designated highways but required a paid software update expected in late 2021.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L stepped up with Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise with lane-centering. It performed adequately but could feel forced in certain scenarios. Intersection Collision Assist was impressive, offering proactive collision avoidance at intersections. Jeep's safety repertoire included park assistance. As of this review, crash-test ratings were pending, but improvements were expected over past models.