2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design that continued to impress over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that contributed to its balanced aesthetic. The Grand Cherokee's design played a significant role in its enduring success, as it managed to embody the characteristics of a mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV all at once. The lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk, and the off-road-ready Trailhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a premium look with body-color accents and a platinum chrome finish, while the interior boasted premium materials and a striking color scheme. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits indicating a need for a redesign.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of traditional crossovers. The ID.4 was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform and was brought to the U.S. market as a crossover, a sensible choice given the popularity of this segment. While it didn't quite look like an SUV, the ID.4's interior design blended Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The cabin felt spacious, with good front headroom and a comfortable ride, although rearward visibility was hindered by thick pillars. The ID.4's interior was designed for comfort, with standard heated seats and steering wheel, making it efficient in cold weather.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, making it a capable choice for most needs. For those seeking more power, an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was available, producing 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency, though it still achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, with adjustable ground clearance and various terrain settings. On the road, the Grand Cherokee was speedy and responsive, though the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness were drawbacks.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It marked VW's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. market, offering balanced handling and instantaneous torque for a fun driving experience. An all-wheel-drive version arrived later, increasing power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, enhancing performance without compromising comfort. The ID.4 prioritized a smooth ride over sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners but a comfortable ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes. This decision aimed to provide a familiar feel for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles, though it might disappoint EV enthusiasts.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and leather-wrapped panels, courtesy of the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. Both front seats featured eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, potentially causing distraction. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller passengers, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. Cargo space measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, though this was modest for a midsize SUV. Interior storage was adequate, but the optional rear-seat entertainment system consumed valuable space.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it lacked a "frunk," the ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The unconventional twist-grip gear selector and narrow center console limited storage options, but the cabin was designed for comfort, with standard heated seats and steering wheel. The driver's seat lacked thigh support, which could be uncomfortable for some.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, along with a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. The system's voice recognition worked well, allowing control of various features through voice commands. The Summit trim boasted a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it was considered "tech lite" compared to more modern vehicles.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback, requiring drivers to relearn simple tasks. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance and a backup camera with guidance lines.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for RWD models. It came standard with a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver is incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.