2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Nissan Murano

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, part of its fourth generation, had a timeless design that retained its appeal even a decade after its debut. It balanced rugged utility with upscale sophistication, showcased through its prominent, flared fenders and big wheels. The Grand Cherokee's aesthetic undeniably contributed to its ongoing success, blending elements of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUVs into one versatile vehicle.

The 2021 Grand Cherokee lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit, with the Trailhawk offering serious off-road capabilities. Additional performance-oriented models included the SRT and Trackhawk. New for 2021 were the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition, with pricing that ranged from around $35,000 to nearly $90,000. The Summit trim, exemplified by the test vehicle, highlighted Jeep's premium offerings with features like a 5.7-liter V8 engine, four-wheel drive, and the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package.

Although the Grand Cherokee's exterior remained timeless, its interior hinted at age, with components seemingly dating back to the DaimlerChrysler era. However, premium leather, genuine wood, and aluminum finishes in the Summit trim created a luxurious feel, despite some outdated switchgear.

The 2021 Nissan Murano, a few years prior, boasted a forward-thinking design that has now blended into standard automotive styling. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end no longer stood out but remained appealing. With a conservative interior and dash design, the Murano prioritized comfort during commutes and road trips, ensuring controls were intuitive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Murano lineup included the S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The base S model featured 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV trim added power-adjustable front seats and adaptive cruise control, while the SL brought leather upholstery and a premium Bose stereo system. The top-tier Platinum trim offered semi-aniline leather, a panoramic moonroof, and additional premium touches.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup could tow up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, Jeep provided a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, boasting a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds and a robust V8 growl. However, the V8’s combined fuel economy was an unimpressive 17 mpg, though real-world tests often showed slight improvements.

The Grand Cherokee featured advanced 4WD systems such as Quadra-Trac II with Selec-Terrain and Quadra-Lift air suspension, allowing it to handle various terrains effortlessly. Despite its off-road prowess, daily driving in the Grand Cherokee Summit proved speedy and responsive, albeit with a tendency for a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Murano came with a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Murano could be equipped with FWD or AWD. While the V6 offered solid low-speed acceleration, the CVT sometimes dampened its responsiveness at higher speeds. Its towing capacity was a modest 1,500 pounds, significantly lower than the Grand Cherokee’s.

The Murano prioritized a comfort-first ride, balancing refined handling with the ability to absorb road imperfections. Its driving characteristics made it an excellent choice for daily commutes and long road trips, even if it lacked the raw power and towing capabilities of its Jeep rival.

Inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, occupants enjoyed plush, supportive seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The interior featured high-quality quilted and perforated leather, courtesy of the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. Rear seats, while comfortable, offered somewhat limited legroom for taller passengers, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added a sense of claustrophobia.

Cargo capacity in the Grand Cherokee measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. However, the rear-seat entertainment system's DVD/Blu-Ray player significantly reduced storage space in the center console bin, making it less practical overall.

The 2021 Nissan Murano’s interior emphasized spaciousness and comfort for its two rows of seating. Rear passengers benefitted from ample headroom and legroom, with partially reclining seats enhancing comfort. The Murano's user-friendly center console, with its traditional shifter design and numerous trays and cubbies, catered well to daily life’s demands.

Cargo space in the Murano offered 32.1 cubic feet with the rear seats in use and up to 67 cubic feet with them folded. Although this was less than the Grand Cherokee's, the Murano’s straightforward design made it easy to accommodate various items. The SL and Platinum trims featured a hands-free power liftgate, adding convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its age, boasted an advanced Uconnect 4C with Nav system. This system featured navigational capabilities, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Integration with Amazon Alexa allowed users to control various vehicle functions remotely. The infotainment system’s voice recognition worked well, providing control over several features, including basic climate settings.

Music enthusiasts could enjoy a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Summit trim, delivering impressive sound quality. Beyond infotainment and audio, the Grand Cherokee was relatively tech-lite, focusing on essential features rather than advanced digital enhancements.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came with an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complete with hard buttons and dials for ease of use. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowed seamless smartphone integration. Optional features included an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and built-in navigation.

Safety was a significant consideration for both models, though their performance varied. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD. However, its performance in IIHS tests was less stellar, earning marginal to poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

The 2021 Nissan Murano included a robust array of standard safety features under Nissan Safety Shield 360. New for 2021 were reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional available features included a surround-view parking monitor, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.