2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more palatable over time. Initially, the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but after seven years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed more balanced. The exterior appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding appeared much more refined. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee's distinctive look ensured it stood out in a crowded parking lot, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, launched in 2005 and in its second generation since 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a defining feature of recent Land Rover interiors. The 2020 model year saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant and the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered a range of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control to the high-end Autobiography with 22-way power-adjustable front seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR performance model featured a more powerful V8 engine and sport seats, while the SVR Carbon Edition added carbon fiber accents and 22-inch alloy wheels.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, available in the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims. The 3.2-liter V-6 engine, found in higher trims, delivered 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, available on the Latitude Lux and Limited trims. Despite these options, none provided outstanding acceleration, with the V6 and turbo-four engines achieving 0-60 mph times of about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. 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 availability of FWD aimed to keep prices competitive, particularly for rental fleets.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrains. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HST model's P400 powertrain delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition boasted a more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various terrains. The Range Rover Sport's towing capacity was impressive, with most variants capable of towing up to 7,716 pounds.

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 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them 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 that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with higher trims offering more upscale features like suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity from five to seven, though it offered only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use. Both the first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with high-quality materials and finishes.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with easy access to heated seat controls and climate settings. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was also available, adding convenience in various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis vehicles, providing a familiar and reliable experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate settings and vehicle functions, while the upper screen handled infotainment. The system had a learning curve and some early bugs, but the integrated dials on the lower screen were versatile, controlling everything from fan speed to off-road settings. The upper screen featured reasonably sized icons for easy navigation between menus and supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite some usability issues, the system included a real volume button, though it was somewhat hidden.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category and a G+ score for LATCH child seat anchors. 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, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available only on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. However, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Additional available features included a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and park assist. A head-up display was also available.