2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 redesign, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo space. Despite the potential confusion with its naming, the Grand Cherokee L was expected to sell well due to its appealing styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, and it was available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, which we tested, boasted luxurious features like quilted leather and real wood trim, though some interior materials didn't quite match the high price point.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, on the other hand, made its presence known through its unique sound and appearance. Aside from a "4xe" badge and blue accents, it looked much like a regular Wrangler, with the addition of a power port for its plug-in hybrid system. The Wrangler 4xe was silent when running on electric power, drawing attention with its pedestrian notification system. Our test vehicle, a Rubicon trim, was painted in Firecracker Red and came with over $13,000 in options, totaling $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look, with some modern touches like blue seat stitching and special PHEV displays. The interior was functional, with controls laid out for practicality, and it offered a comfortable ride despite its rugged nature.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine was available for certain trims, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. Our test vehicle featured the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but with noticeable engine noise. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally smooth, though it sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered a comfortable ride, with various off-road modes for different terrains. The SUV's structure provided a smooth ride and capable handling, making it easy to park and maneuver.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup offered an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe's powertrain delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to reach 60 mph in six seconds. It featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, each optimizing performance for different situations. During our road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its efficiency, averaging 20.8 mpg in Hybrid mode. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery during downhill driving, enhancing overall efficiency. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Wrangler 4xe's steering had some on-center play, which was noticeable on narrow highways.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Summit trim, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were small, making it challenging to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults, with large windows for a great view. While the Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, it offered a storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles for easier entry and exit. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a clear view over the hood and fenders. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever, but rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo space was limited, with 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Wrangler's tailgate design could be inconvenient in tight spaces, but it was part of the vehicle's charm.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Our test vehicle had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system included a natural voice-recognition system, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though its logo seemed out of place in the interior. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technology focused on its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system, with data displays for each. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided good audio quality, though it struggled against wind noise on the freeway. The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Trip Summary data panel offered charging time estimates, and the dashboard's charging indicator lights provided a quick view of the battery status.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more abrupt than expected. The Summit trim included Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but improvements were expected over the previous model.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the Wrangler's narrow side mirrors. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective, though rated Marginal by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.