2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more palatable since its debut. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were still not universally loved, the Cherokee's proportions had improved over time. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding looked more upscale. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a striking resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain was identical to the previous year's model, offering smooth and effortless power. The engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg during testing. However, AWD was unavailable, putting the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. Honda added a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control now included stop-and-go low-speed following capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus trims came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The 3.2-liter V6 engine, available on higher trims, delivered 271 horsepower. The top-tier engine was the 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite these options, none of the engines offered outstanding acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All Cherokee models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee's off-road capability was notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which included features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD to keep prices competitive, particularly for rental fleets.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard on all but the base LX trim, was comfortable and included inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, the second-row seats had to be physically removed to access the maximum cargo volume, which was inconvenient.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee filled a niche between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee. It offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was less than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with higher trims offering more upscale materials like suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery. The cabin was cleanly designed, focusing on functionality rather than luxury.

Starting with the EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, available on Touring and Elite trims, included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, a useful feature in various climates. The Uconnect system was praised for its ease of use and minimal latency issues, making it a strong point for the Cherokee.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing on all trims. This suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It received top "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories and a G+ score for LATCH child seat anchors. However, its headlights received "Marginal" ratings on lower trims. The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.