2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe surprised many with its value proposition. Unlike most new vehicles that seemed overpriced, the Santa Fe left potential buyers wondering why it didn't cost more. This midsize SUV offered a choice of two new gasoline engines and a hybrid powertrain, with trim levels ranging from SE to Calligraphy. The pricing spanned from $26,850 to $39,950, with AWD as a standard feature for hybrids. The Santa Fe's exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights and grille, while the interior boasted upscale materials and a high-tech center console. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, impressed with its luxurious interior, featuring premium leather and a panoramic sunroof, though the exterior design was somewhat polarizing.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended version of the upcoming 2022 redesign, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo space. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the Wagoneer models. It was available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with quilted leather and real wood trim, though some materials didn't quite match the high price tag. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe's driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter prioritizing fuel efficiency. The turbocharged engine offered impressive performance, with a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems. The optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available on higher trims, produced 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. However, the V8's fuel economy dropped to 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L's driving experience was enhanced by the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and Selec-Terrain off-road modes. The SUV's handling was capable, and it offered a smooth ride, though the V6 engine was loud when revved.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample comfort and space for passengers. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control, stain-resistant fabric seats, and available leather upholstery. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The SUV offered heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The Santa Fe's cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in comfort, especially in the Summit trim, which included heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment. The SUV featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, though the dashboard vents were small. The second row offered captain's chairs or an optional bench seat, with ample legroom and comfort. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was equipped with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the 8-inch screen, while the 10.25-inch screen required wired connections but included upgraded voice recognition and Blue Link connected services. Blue Link provided a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control adjustment. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a night vision system. The available head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted an impressive array of safety features. It included forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot monitoring to prevent opening doors into traffic. The rear-occupant alert system detected movement inside the vehicle, and the Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed camera views in the instrument cluster. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Intersection Collision Assist detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The SUV also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but improvements over the previous model were expected.