2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, showcasing a design that balanced rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its big wheels, flared fenders, and premium touches like body-color mirror caps and platinum chrome finishes contributed to its enduring success. The interior, while luxurious with premium leather and genuine wood, showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite these drawbacks, the Grand Cherokee's design and interior materials made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and ruggedness.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a clean and conservative design that some might have found understated, yet it promised to age gracefully. Its larger size for a compact SUV provided ample interior space, nearly matching that of larger models like the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tiguan's interior was roomy and accommodating, with a focus on comfort and practicality. While it lacked the plush materials of the Grand Cherokee, its straightforward design and functional layout made it a practical choice for families and those valuing simplicity.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 offered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the engine suffered from turbo lag, particularly noticeable during acceleration. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to its perceived lack of power. Fuel economy was modest, with the AWD model averaging 22.6 mpg during testing. Despite these drawbacks, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and a compliant ride, though it struggled with suspension isolation over rough surfaces.

Inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, occupants found supportive seats wrapped in quilted leather, with eight-way power adjustments and heating and ventilation features. The rear seat offered comfort but limited legroom for taller passengers. Cargo space measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the Grand Cherokee's interior storage was limited, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system further reduced available space.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with easy entry and exit, supportive front seats, and generous rear legroom. The interior featured V-Tex leatherette upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet. While storage space was limited, the Tiguan's flexible seating and cargo configurations made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's user-friendly interface and responsive touchscreen made it a pleasure to use. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing excellent sound quality. However, the vehicle's technology offerings were limited compared to newer models, with a focus on essential features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services. While the system improved over previous versions, it had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. The SEL Premium R-Line trim offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system, providing better sound quality. The Tiguan's technology was understated but functional, with a focus on connectivity and convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but lower ratings from the IIHS for small-overlap frontal impacts. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, its headlights received poor ratings unless upgraded to high-intensity discharge units.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with the IQ Drive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, thanks to its high-performing LED headlights. The Tiguan's safety features were comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.