2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved over time, and while its short grille and swept-back headlights initially divided opinions, they became more accepted over the years. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level, with the entry-level Latitude looking quite ordinary, while the 80th Anniversary Edition boasted a more refined look with its 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's design prowess extended to the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire roof surface, adding a touch of luxury. The Cherokee's distinctive design ensured it stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee from the front.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a more conventional design, appealing to those who preferred a straightforward crossover look. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, and the interior featured a modern, attractive dash design with tech features seamlessly integrated. The Tucson came in various trims, each adding more features, from the base SE with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the range-topping Ultimate with an 8-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Tucson's design was practical and user-friendly, with every button and dial easy to locate.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower for the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims. A more powerful 3.2-liter V-6 engine delivered 271 hp, while the top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite these options, the Cherokee's acceleration was not particularly impressive, with 0 to 60 mph times of around 7.2 seconds for the V6 and 7.4 seconds for the turbo-four. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which improved fuel efficiency and performance. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities were notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which included features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in front-wheel drive, catering to budget-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came with two engine choices: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 hp. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The base engine felt underwhelming, especially at higher speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance around town. The Tucson offered a comfortable and refined ride, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. It had a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds with the base engine and 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in terms of utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. This 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 that aspect. The interior was simple and businesslike, with trim levels affecting the overall feel. Higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale materials and finishes.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the segment, it was adequate for most needs. The Tucson's interior offered solid front-seat headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. The rear seats were less spacious but still accommodating for adults. The cabin featured numerous storage compartments, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control setup. It offered two screen sizes: a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also provided a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience in various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, offering a familiar experience for users.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The system was easy to use, with logical menu layouts and hard buttons for added convenience. Additional features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging, enhancing the Tucson's tech offerings.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, but it received top "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories. The headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and others "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee 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 Hyundai Tucson offered a comprehensive list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a 360-degree parking monitor. The Tucson earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS.