2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved over time, becoming more palatable since its debut. Initially, the short grille and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but over the years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed to improve. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels. The base Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD appeared quite ordinary, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined look. The Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof was a standout feature, covering the entire roof surface. Despite the crowded crossover SUV market, the Cherokee managed to stand out, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee from the front.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models. The interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, which featured a dual 7-inch touchscreen setup. Higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Outback's quality was evident, with substantial window switches and surface materials. The Onyx Edition XT featured gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding protected its wheel arches and bumpers, while its styling remained smooth and balanced. The Outback's lifted wagon design made it a unique alternative to typical crossovers, with adaptive LED headlights standard across the range.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus trims came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. A 3.2-liter V-6 engine, available on higher trims, increased output to 271 hp. The top-tier engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, available on the Latitude Lux and Limited trims. Despite these options, the Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times 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 over CVTs. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD, appealing to budget-conscious buyers and rental fleets.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine struggled with the Outback's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, generating 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The turbo engine was quieter and more refined, though it slightly reduced fuel economy to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru's AWD system was proactive, always driving all four wheels and offering X-Mode for challenging conditions. The Outback's off-road capability was impressive, rivaling many crossovers and SUVs.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee. However, it fell short in utility compared to other compact crossovers. With 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, it lagged behind competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The Cherokee offered 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, competitive within its class. The interior was simple and businesslike, with trim levels affecting the overall feel. The base Latitude featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale materials like suede and Nappa leather.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, allowing it to tackle various terrains without being oversized. Inside, it offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, maximizing usability. The Outback provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent visibility due to thin pillars and extensive glass. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, though only wired. 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, ensuring familiarity for users.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions. The optional navigation system was more modern, but the base model's dual-screen setup was less cohesive.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories from the IIHS, it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick award. 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, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in safety, with a stronger and stiffer chassis. It was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in crash tests and for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with slight reductions for front passenger and rollover tests. The Outback offered a range of driver assists, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking available on higher trims.