2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s design had truly stood the test of time. Over a decade since its launch, it continued to exude rugged utility and upscale sophistication. The distinctive big wheels under the purposely flared fenders created a perfectly balanced automotive artwork that defined what an SUV should look like if it wasn’t a Jeep Wrangler. This evergreen design played a significant role in the Grand Cherokee's sustained success.

The Grand Cherokee lineup was diverse, ranging from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models, and the off-road Trailhawk nestled in between. For 2021, the Laredo and Limited saw minor updates, and new variants like the value-oriented Laredo X and celebratory 80th Anniversary Edition were introduced. The pricing spanned from approximately $35,000 to nearly $90,000, depending on the trim and specifications.

The Summit trim tested came equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, four-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, the Platinum Series Group, and the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, resulting in an MSRP of $68,185, including a $1,495 destination charge. The Platinum Series Group enhanced the Summit’s appearance with a more premium look by incorporating body-color mirror caps, door handles, side sills, and lower bumpers, replacing the sparkly bits with a platinum chrome finish.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee Summit was adorned with premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede. The Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme provided sharp contrast and a luxurious feel. Quilted seat bolsters, door panel trim, and a wood-and-leather steering wheel contributed to its upscale interior. However, despite the luxurious materials, the outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits hinted that a redesign was overdue.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed on the opposite spectrum of newness and value. Priced between $26,850 and $39,950, the Santa Fe presented a value proposition that made shoppers wonder why it didn’t cost more. For 2021, it offered two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Trim levels included SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy for gas models, and Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited for hybrids.

A significant exterior update included a redesigned front end with new running lights, a reworked grille, and a new bumper, giving each trim a unique character. Inside, the Santa Fe featured new colors, patterns, and textures, boosting its market appeal. A new bridge-style center console housed the electronic transmission controls, drivetrain settings, climate switchgear, and stereo controls, adding to its contemporary layout. The available 12.3-inch digital instrumentation added a high-tech aura.

The Calligraphy trim test vehicle boasted Stormy Sea paint, AWD, 19-inch wheels, and Black premium leather, creating a luxurious ambiance for just $43,590. While the exterior design was more contentious, blending parametric dynamics to align with other Hyundai models, it still required an acquired taste.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered sufficient performance for most needs, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds.

For those seeking more power, Jeep offered a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, offered a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 provided a satisfying rumble and quicker acceleration but came with a trade-off in fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 17 mpg according to the EPA. The Quadra-Trac II included a two-speed transfer case, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management with various settings, paired with the robust Quadra-Lift air suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

On the other hand, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe introduced three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 hp coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid models combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission, resulting in 226 hp. The electric motor delivered 195 lb-ft of torque at low speeds, contributing to a responsive drive.

The Limited and Calligraphy trims housed a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing an impressive 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission for rapid shifts. Hyundai’s driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Smart—allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience, though the Smart mode prioritized fuel efficiency.

The Santa Fe Calligraphy’s turbocharged engine, structural enhancements, and refined braking system significantly improved its driving dynamics. The SUV was quick, solid, and exhibited impressive body control, offering a balanced combination of comfort and athletic handling. Both the standard and turbocharged engines achieved 24 mpg in combined driving, reinforcing its fuel-efficient credentials.

Stepping into the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, drivers found flat, firm, supportive seats swathed in quilted leather courtesy of the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. Heated and ventilated front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel, were standard fare, controlled through the Uconnect infotainment system. The rear seats were comfortable, though they offered limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added a touch of claustrophobia, despite the large side windows and dual-pane panoramic sunroof mitigating the enclosed feeling.

Interior storage was adequate, though the DVD/Blu-Ray player consumed much of the center console bin space. Practical features like grocery bag hooks were appreciated. Behind the rear seats, the Grand Cherokee offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet—a modest volume for a midsize SUV. Thoughtful touches like a recessed bin and power liftgate closing button added convenience to its cargo area.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe didn’t feature a third-row seat but offered ample space for a midsize SUV. All trims included dual-zone automatic climate control, with higher trims boasting stain-resistant fabric, leather upholstery, and the luxurious Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim. The Calligraphy’s interior featured a suede-like headliner and quilted leather, making it feel like a luxury vehicle.

Front seats in the SEL trim and higher boasted eight-way power adjustments, with heated seats standard from the SEL trim and higher. The rear seats were spacious, slideable, and included amenities like air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades in the Calligraphy trim.

The cargo area behind the rear seats measured 36.4 cubic feet, slightly more than the Grand Cherokee, and expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering more utility than its Jeep counterpart.

Despite the anticipation of the all-new 2022 model, the outgoing 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee impressed with its Uconnect 4C Nav infotainment system. With fast response times, pleasing graphics, and user-friendly controls, it delivered a nearly flawless experience. Features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa, enhancing its functionality.

SiriusXM provided six months of satellite radio, and the Uconnect 4C included Traffic Plus and Travel Link services for five years. SiriusXM Guardian offered remote access to the locks, engine start, vehicle finder service, SOS calling, and more for one year. Voice recognition technology worked well, and the Grand Cherokee’s premium sound system options, with a thunderous 19-speaker Harman Kardon setup in the Summit trim, elevated its audio experience.

In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, and 8.5-inch head-up display were highlights. While the basic 8-inch touchscreen featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 10.25-inch system paired with upgraded voice-recognition technology and enhanced Blue Link services added more sophistication.

Blue Link, free for three years, supported Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smartwatch compatibility, and additional capabilities like automatic emergency assistance, vehicle alerts, remote start, and climate control adjustment. Unique features like Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist showcased Hyundai’s cutting-edge technology, allowing keyless control and automated parking.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s safety ratings were a mixed bag. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 4WD model a five-star overall rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) small-overlap frontal-impact tests revealed shortcomings, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for the driver and front passenger, respectively.

Standard safety features in the Summit trim included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Parking sensors, backup camera, and ParkSense parking assistance added to its safety suite, though lacking modern features like surround-view cameras.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe’s safety features were comprehensive and advanced. The forward-collision warning system included pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist warned passengers of approaching vehicles or cyclists, and the rear-occupant alert system ensured no child was left behind.

The Blind-Spot View Monitor, displaying cameras’ views within the digital instrument cluster, enhanced safety during lane changes. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technologies for a semi-autonomous driving experience. The Santa Fe earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS with its LED projector headlights, indicating excellent crashworthiness and prevention technologies.