2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with opinions mellowing over time. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights remained divisive, the Cherokee's proportions improved over the years. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. The Cherokee also featured an optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its distinctive look in a crowded crossover SUV market.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a sight for sore eyes after a long flight, offering a plush and roomy interior. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the lineup, featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Despite its impressive appearance with a chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, the Expedition struggled to accommodate all passengers' luggage, highlighting the utility of minivans. The extended-length MAX version would have resolved this issue, providing ample space for both passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered a more robust 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, none provided outstanding acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which improved over time. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD aimed to keep prices competitive, especially for rental fleets.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, offered 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD or 4WD options provided impressive towing capacities between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's acceleration was commendable, even with a full load, and the adaptive damping suspension ensured a smooth ride despite the 22-inch wheels. The FX4 Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle's on-road performance averaged 17.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 19 mpg combined rating.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, competed with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it lagged in utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet. The interior varied by trim, from the basic Latitude with rubberized black plastic to the upscale Trailhawk with suede seat inserts and the Latitude Lux with perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, especially with the extended-length MAX version. The regular-length model offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX provided even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The high cargo floor liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort for all passengers, and the front seats' massage function added a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control accessibility. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, the system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was also available, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen, however, appeared small and sometimes slow to respond. Sync 3 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system provided additional entertainment options.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn top safety awards from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness and a G+ score for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, with its substantial curb weight, earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. However, its rollover-resistance rating was three stars for RWD and four stars for 4WD. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree camera system.