2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

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 body-color accents contributed to its premium look, while the interior featured premium materials like leather, wood, and aluminum. Despite its aging interior design, the Grand Cherokee's cabin exuded luxury, though it was clear a redesign was needed to modernize its switchgear and panel fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that referenced the larger Range Rover's profile in a sporty package. Its sleek, streamlined form was complemented by features like flush door handles and distinctive taillight lenses. The Velar's interior, though tighter than midsize SUVs, offered high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. However, it made some questionable design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, which could be confusing and potentially dangerous.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower, providing ample power for most needs. For those seeking more, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, along with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology helped improve fuel efficiency, though it still averaged 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 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. Its base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, produced 247 horsepower, while the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system offered up to 395 hp. The Velar's Terrain Response system and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models. The Velar's focus was more on street performance, with features like adaptive cruise control and steering assist enhancing its driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped interior. Front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. Rear-seat comfort was adequate, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof providing an open feel. Cargo space was 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, though storage options were limited.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, though its Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a cleaner interface. The Velar's focus on style came at the expense of practicality, with some controls being less intuitive.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," it offered essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system simplified the layout with logical arrangements and customizable options. It included features like a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar's infotainment system was more reliable than previous Land Rover models, though some driving assist features were not as detailed as competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance, though its headlights were rated "Poor" unless upgraded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP testing, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. It offered standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control. The Velar's safety features were comprehensive, though its crash-test ratings in the U.S. were not directly comparable.