2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with opinions softening over time. While the short grille and swept-back headlights initially divided opinions, the design appeared more balanced after several years. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch wheels and painted cladding. Jeep's knack for roof design was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its distinctiveness in a crowded SUV market. Its resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front, helped it stand out.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, introduced in 2007, showed its age despite a 2018 facelift. The subtle updates to the headlights and grille were overshadowed by its large silhouette. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated, with a multi-tiered dash reminiscent of the mid-2000s and a small 7-inch touchscreen. Despite its size, the front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers, though the second row offered ample space. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the basic SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum, each offering various features and enhancements.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with the V6 reaching 0-60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, praised for its efficiency. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control, though front-wheel drive was available for budget-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Its six-speed automatic transmission, while dated, provided strong acceleration but impacted fuel economy. The Sequoia's truck-like driving dynamics appealed to some, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. Despite some body roll, its wide stance and strong brakes offered stability and confidence on the road.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, competed with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V. However, it fell short in utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 55 cubic feet with seats folded. Passenger volume was 102 cubic feet, competitive but not outstanding. The interior was simple and functional, with trim levels influencing material quality, from basic rubberized plastic in the Latitude to upscale Nappa leather in the Latitude Lux.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. While newer SUVs optimized space better, the Sequoia offered deep door pockets and a large center console. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, enhancing convenience. Despite its age, the Sequoia provided ample storage and practicality, though newer models offered more efficient space utilization.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with a 4G WiFi hotspot and remote start. The system was praised for its intuitive controls and minimal latency, offering a consistent experience across Stellantis vehicles.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 9-inch screen on higher trims. Despite its dated technology, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was straightforward, with large buttons for easy navigation. While the digital trip computer was small, its simplicity was appreciated, offering essential functions without complexity.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received top "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. It earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some demerits in crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring, though adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. While lacking advanced features like lane-keeping assist, it provided a comprehensive set of standard safety technologies. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, with no further crash test ratings available.