2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had undoubtedly grown on many since its debut. Initially, opinions were mixed regarding its very short grille opening and swept-back headlights. However, after seven years on the road, the Cherokee began to appear more proportioned than when it first launched. The exterior appeal of the Cherokee was highly dependent on the chosen trim level. For instance, a basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive (FWD) might have looked like a standard rental fleet vehicle. On the other hand, the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding instead of the basic-looking black significantly enhanced its visual appeal.

Jeep consistently capitalized on innovative roof designs, as evidenced by various models. For the Cherokee, the optional panoramic sunroof that spanned the entire roof surface stood out as a noteworthy feature. Overall, the Cherokee managed to maintain its distinctiveness in a crowded crossover SUV market, bearing a noticeable resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, particularly from the front.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, was designed with intentional rugged styling that mimicked a traditional SUV. This design choice set it apart from the more approachable aesthetics of previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. The RAV4's exterior featured boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that exuded an aggressive and distinctive look, catering to those who wanted a vehicle that stood out.

Underneath its assertive exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with many of Toyota’s other models. While this platform was well-engineered, it hinted that the RAV4’s capabilities leaned more towards a conventional car than a rugged SUV. Toyota also offered trim levels like the Adventure model, which added a retro Ice Edge roof, and the TRD Off-Road version, which featured matte black 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and unique interior accents.

Inside, the RAV4 incorporated rugged styling elements, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, blending functionality with design. While the material quality was fair in lower trims, it didn't quite match the price increment on higher trims. Even the premium TRD Off-Road model sported SofTex upholstery rather than real leather, which Toyota touted as lighter and durable but lacked the luxury touch found in higher-end trims.

For the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, performance options were varied. Customers could choose from three distinct engines, depending on the trim level. The base models, Latitude and Latitude Plus, were fitted with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. Stepping up, the 3.2-liter V-6 engine offered a more significant output of 271 hp. The standout, however, was the 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, featuring 270 hp and a robust 295 pound-feet of torque, delivering more torque than the V-6’s 239 lb-ft.

Despite these options, the Cherokee's acceleration numbers were relatively modest. Testing revealed that a comparable 2019 Cherokee model could go from zero to 60 mph in around 7.2 seconds with the V6 engine, and approximately 7.4 seconds with the turbo-four. These figures were respectable but not spectacular for those seeking thrilling performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission across all models was noted for its fuel efficiency and generally good behavior after initial production issues.

The Cherokee also maintained Jeep’s reputation for off-road capabilities, particularly in the Trailhawk model. Features like Jeep Active Drive Lock provided a 56:1 crawling ratio, and Selec-Speed Crawl Control assisted with maintaining speed over steep inclines, making the Trailhawk surprisingly adept on off-road trails. It’s worth mentioning that the Cherokee was available in FWD as well, making it a more affordable option for some buyers, though less common in sales due to the brand's off-road heritage.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4, in contrast, was equipped solely with the “Dynamic Force” 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine managed 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 offered standard FWD with optional AWD. For those seeking heightened power, the RAV4 Hybrid presented 219 hp, with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid peaking at 302 hp.

The Dynamic Force engine, boasting 40% thermal efficiency, was unusual for a compact crossover, revving up impressively to a 6,750 rpm redline. Still, the rest of the RAV4’s driving dynamics didn’t quite match the engine’s vigor. The transmission often hesitated with shifts, and the steering, while responsive, lacked tactile feedback. The “Sport” driving mode only added weight to the steering without enhancing responsiveness.

On the highway, however, the RAV4 performed well. Low cabin noise levels and a suspension adept at soaking up road imperfections made for a comfortable ride. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the Adventure or TRD Off-Road models, which offered 8.6 inches of ground clearance, torque-vectoring rear axles, and robust towing capacities of up to 3,500 pounds. Despite these advancements, the lack of certain traditional off-road features and limited suspension articulation meant it couldn’t fully match its rugged styling.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee positioned itself between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee, categorizing it among compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, when comparing utility, the Cherokee fell short, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 55 cubic feet with them folded. These figures trailed behind competitors like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Kia Sportage, making the Cherokee less favorable for transporting larger loads.

In terms of passenger space, the Cherokee provided approximately 102 cubic feet of volume. This was a competitive figure, falling just below the Escape but slightly above the Sportage. The interior design of the Cherokee was straightforward and practical, avoiding luxurious pretensions or heavy technological interfaces, thus keeping the focus on driving.

Interior satisfaction largely depended on the trim level. The base Latitude featured basic rubberized black plastic, while higher trims like the Trailhawk offered more luxurious touches such as suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim level even included perforated Nappa leather upholstery, enhancing its upscale, sporty feel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, benefited from a tall, upright roof, offering substantial headroom and good outward visibility. While front-seat comfort was very high with form-fitting shapes, the rear seats were less favorable, presenting hard, flat cushions that might be uncomfortable on longer journeys. Its 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat did not slide fore and aft, unlike competitors like the Ford Escape or Nissan Rogue.

Cargo space in the RAV4 was a robust 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, positioning it above average within its class, though still lagging behind the Honda CR-V. The wide loading aperture eased cargo handling, although the higher cargo area lip compared to the CR-V could be a minor inconvenience.

Interior functionality of the RAV4 included large, user-friendly knobs and accessible controls, including oversized buttons around the center console, which was particularly useful even with gloves on. Storage options, however, sacrificed in-console space for larger bins and storage areas ahead of the shifter. Unlike traditional SUVs, the RAV4’s interior did not offer XXL cupholders or multiple storage nooks but instead provided functional control elements like a sizeable shift lever and drive-mode buttons.

In the category of onboard technology, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee stood out with its user-friendly systems. It included the Stellantis brands’ lauded infotainment and climate control interface. The Uconnect system came with either a 7-inch touchscreen (standard on Latitude, Latitude Plus, and Latitude Lux trims) or an 8.4-inch display (standard on Limited and Trailhawk trims). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support were available, though only via wired connections. Additional tech features included a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Optional remote start was another highlight, offering convenient climate control access from a distance.

The Cherokee’s infotainment system was consistent across Stellantis vehicles, providing a seamless user experience whether one was familiar with the Cherokee or a high-end Ram 1500.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 also offered a standard suite of connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TRD Off-Road model came with a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, while the Limited model boasted an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid could be equipped with an even larger 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available throughout the cabin, alongside an optional JBL premium audio system.

While the Toyota infotainment system was user-friendly with straightforward functionality and well-placed shortcut buttons, it didn’t excel in terms of flashiness or engagement. Unlike the RAV4 Prime, the regular gasoline models did not offer a head-up display, thus potentially dampening the experience for tech-savvy buyers seeking a modern interface. However, for many, the RAV4’s simplicity and effectiveness were appealing.

When it came to safety, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee provided a mixed bag. It did not earn theTop Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from the IIHS. While it received top “Good” scores across various crashworthiness categories, its headlight ratings varied, with upper trims earning an “Acceptable” rating and lower trims receiving a “Marginal” rating due to inadequate lighting.

The NHTSA rated the Cherokee with a four-star overall safety rating. It performed well but had a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning with lane keep assist, full-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function was available only on the Limited and Trailhawk trims, and as an optional package on the Trailhawk.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned the "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, securing top “Good” scores in all crash tests and the highest “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention technology. However, it failed to achieve the "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to lower headlight scores on certain trims.

NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a standard bundle of safety features, included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist, which added lane-centering capability. Higher trims incorporated additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist, with certain option packages offering a 360-degree camera system.