2021 Jeep Grand 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 debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, included 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 it a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its timeless design, continued to impress more than a decade after its debut. It balanced rugged utility and upscale sophistication, sitting on big wheels under flared fenders. The Grand Cherokee lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, and performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The test vehicle, a Summit trim with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and 4WD, featured the Platinum Series Group and Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, enhancing its premium look with body-color mirror caps, door handles, and platinum chrome finishes. Inside, it boasted premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede, though some elements showed the vehicle's age.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. It offered smooth, effortless power and included variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. However, it lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with firm but comfortable suspension and well-weighted steering. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, though the brakes struggled under heavy use during testing.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 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 engine offered 360 horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 included cylinder deactivation for fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capability, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it practical for daily driving. However, the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness on uneven surfaces were drawbacks.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, though removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with all seats removed.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults, and 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 measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The power liftgate and one-handed seat folding mechanism added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features like remote operation and personal assistant access. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM services included satellite radio, Traffic Plus, Travel Link, and Guardian. The infotainment system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee's infotainment system remained impressive, though it lacked some modern digital features.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, adding low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance and a backup camera with guidance lines.