2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, becoming 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 with trim levels. 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 stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. Unlike its predecessors, which resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions, the current Navigator had a unique identity. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille in the Monochromatic Package, and tasteful chrome accents. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. The Navigator's interior was equally impressive, with seven color palettes and fine details like layered wood trim and a floating center console. The materials were top-notch, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator's cabin one of the most luxurious in its class.

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, outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, none provided outstanding acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 seconds for the V-6 and 7.4 seconds for the turbo-four. 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 Lincoln Navigator boasted a single, powerful engine: a twin-turbo V6 from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator surprisingly quick and responsive. The 4WD system was smooth and efficient, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, consistent with its EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs. Despite some shortcomings in steering and brake feel, the Navigator's overall refinement and power were impressive, especially on highways.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a niche 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 utility, offering only 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's 102 cubic feet of passenger volume was competitive, though. The interior design was straightforward and functional, with trim levels significantly affecting the cabin's quality. The base Latitude featured basic materials, while higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale touches like suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered an expansive interior, capable of comfortably seating six adults. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, but the power-folding and raising feature was convenient. The Navigator's boxy shape provided ample cargo space: 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a handy feature for loading and unloading. The Navigator Reserve trim included heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions. Visibility was excellent, though parking could be challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and quick access to controls. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience in extreme weather conditions. The consistency of the Uconnect system across Stellantis vehicles was a significant advantage for Cherokee buyers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen seemed small, and the instrument panel lacked advanced features like full-screen maps. The cameras were low-resolution, and the infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator included 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system featured Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the instrument panel.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick, though it earned "Good" scores in most crashworthiness categories. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. 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 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in most categories except rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the current generation. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it lacked advanced self-steering capabilities.