2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Lexus RX

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 were initially polarizing, they became more accepted after seven years. The Cherokee's proportions improved, making it look better than when it first arrived. The exterior appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level, with the entry-level Latitude looking quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding appeared much more refined. The Cherokee also featured an optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX epitomized modern Lexus design with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The interior was luxurious, featuring sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery. The RX came in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL and RXL Hybrid with a third row of seating. The 2020 model year updates, such as elongated headlights and a redesigned front end, carried over to 2021, addressing previous criticisms. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights.

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 pound-feet of torque. Despite these options, none provided outstanding acceleration, with the V6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph times of around 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 front-wheel drive (FWD) aimed to keep prices competitive.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, resulting in 308 hp managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD RX 350 achieving 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The RX Hybrid models offered better fuel economy, with up to 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's handling was improved for 2020, making it more dynamic, though it still exhibited some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements. The RX's acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in utility, offering just 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the bottom among compact SUVs. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting satisfaction. The Latitude trim featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale options like suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Lexus RX was highly functional, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, though the third row was tight. The RX's cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions offered even less cargo space, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Despite this, the RX featured a power liftgate and an available hands-free liftgate, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. It offered two screen sizes: a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both screens were responsive and easy to use. The Cherokee supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was also available, adding to its convenience.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was less intuitive than some competitors, but steering-wheel controls were user-friendly. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a drawback for some buyers.

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 NHTSA gave it 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 only available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, scoring all Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies. The RX lacked some of the cutting-edge tech found in newer luxury vehicles but provided solid safety features.