2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a paragon of timeless design. Despite being over a decade old, it managed to maintain its visual appeal with a blend of rugged utility and upscale sophistication. This SUV sat confidently on sizeable wheels placed at the corners under flared fenders, giving it a balanced and artistic automotive presence. The different trims ranged from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit, and even included high-performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. Notably, the Summit trim with its Platinum Series Group offered body-color accents and platinum chrome finishes that toned down the usual sparkle, enhancing its premium look. The interior featured premium materials like leather, wood, aluminum, and simulated suede. However, despite the luxurious aesthetics, the interior design felt outdated with old-fashioned switchgear and non-flush panels. In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V’s styling fostered a sense of sameness typical of compact crossovers. It was often difficult to distinguish the CR-V from its competitors based solely on exterior looks. Nonetheless, subtle details like the grille design and chromed plastic features provided some differentiation. The CR-V offered eight colors, including two vibrant blue shades and a radiant red, although the availability of these colors was limited to higher trims. The interior had a more modern look with angular seat details and an option for wood panels and chrome accents in higher trims. However, comparably, other crossovers like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque with an impressive tow capacity of 6,200 pounds. For those desiring more power, an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, boasting a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology to improve efficiency, though it still offered only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain traction management with multiple settings made the Grand Cherokee adaptable to various driving conditions, though its ride could feel bouncy and wobbly on uneven surfaces. The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. This engine, combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided smooth acceleration and reasonable performance with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.8 seconds. The CR-V’s engine boasted better fuel efficiency than the Grand Cherokee, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. However, its CVT did not offer an engaging driving experience, unlike the eight-speed automatic found in some competitors. Standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive made the CR-V versatile, although it fell short of the Grand Cherokee's off-road and towing prowess.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a plush interior with an opulent Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, including heated, ventilated front seats with eight-way power adjustments. Despite its luxurious appointments, the Grand Cherokee's rear seat had somewhat snug legroom for taller adults. Cargo space was 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. This capacity was relatively limited for a midsize SUV. The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, accommodating five passengers comfortably. It offered 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded, surpassing the Grand Cherokee. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate operation, adding convenience. The ample cargo space and flexible storage solutions made the CR-V exceptionally practical for family needs and daily errands.

In 2021, the Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. This system came with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Additionally, it offered SiriusXM services, voice recognition technology, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims, boasting 19 speakers for an immersive audio experience. However, more advanced tech features were anticipated in the upcoming 2022 model. The 2021 Honda CR-V, starting from the Special Edition trim, included a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging functions. The EX-L trim onwards included enhanced audio systems and additional speakers. The Touring trim featured a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and wireless phone charging. Higher trims also came with a satellite navigation system with voice recognition, bolstering the tech offerings.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety results. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for the 4WD version, the 2WD variant had a lower rating. The IIHS rated it poorly in small-overlap frontal-impact tests, and "Marginal" or "Poor" ratings in some categories detracted from its safety credentials. Standard and optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more comprehensive safety packages in higher trims. The 2021 Honda CR-V impressed with its safety credentials, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, came standard across all trims. However, the CR-V missed the highest IIHS rating due to its "Acceptable" headlight performance and LATCH system rating.