2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

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 boasted premium leather, genuine wood, and a striking Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme. Despite its exterior charm, the interior showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits, indicating a need for a redesign.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover presented an evolutionary design, retaining its broad, rounded face and unadorned sheet metal. The most notable change was the rear, featuring thin LED strips integrated into a darker trim. Inside, the Range Rover offered a simplified, modern cabin with a larger touchscreen and fewer buttons. The materials were of excellent quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin further emphasized its premium status.

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 hp and 390 lb-ft 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 provided excellent off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a mild hybrid system, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the V8 provided even more power. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Its rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road performance without compromising ride quality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated functions, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, with optional rear-seat entertainment adding to a sense of claustrophobia. Cargo space measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the rear-seat entertainment system reduced center console space.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Front seats offered massage functions, and storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row accommodated taller passengers with power recline and sliding adjustments, while the optional third row offered limited headroom for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading and unloading.

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 experience was nearly flawless, with fast response times and pleasing graphics. The Grand Cherokee also included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a range of advanced driving assistance systems, though it was considered "tech lite" compared to newer models.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's graphics and response times were improved, though the screen's placement required more attention from the driver. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

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 small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, with the ProTech II Package standard on the Summit trim.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Range Rover's safety features performed well, though some rivals offered additional advanced features.