2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since its 2005 launch, continued to impress with its luxurious design and features. The 2018 refresh, which carried over into 2021, introduced a dual-screen center console that became a hallmark of Land Rover interiors. This model offered a variety of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, to the high-end Autobiography with 22-way power-adjustable seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition trims catered to performance enthusiasts with a powerful V8 engine and sport seats. The Range Rover Sport's interior was a blend of luxury and technology, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available across the lineup.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, offering a seven-passenger configuration with a third-row seat. Its design was inspired by the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, and it shared styling cues with the larger Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L was available in several trims, from the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve. The Summit trim, which was tested, featured a quilted leather interior, real wood trim, and a host of technology features. Despite some interior material shortcomings at higher price points, the Grand Cherokee L's redesigned interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a comfortable and tech-savvy environment.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, which combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims produced 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition boasted 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, along with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various driving conditions. The Range Rover Sport excelled in both off-road capability and on-road handling, with a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered RWD or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available on Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration but was noisy at high revs, while the eight-speed automatic transmission was generally smooth. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and Selec-Terrain off-road modes, offering up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Summit trim's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system included an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case, enhancing its off-road prowess. The Grand Cherokee L's handling was competent, with a smooth ride and secure steering feel, although it could feel soft over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, but reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children. The Range Rover Sport's interior was a blend of space and luxury, with high-quality materials and finishes.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in comfort and space, especially in the Summit trim, which featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second row offered captain's chairs or an optional bench seat, with plenty of legroom and comfort. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults, with large side windows providing a great view. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was designed for family-friendly transportation, although front-seat storage was limited.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen controlling climate and vehicle settings, and the upper screen housing the infotainment system. While the system had a learning curve and some quirks, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The lower screen's dials controlled various functions, adding versatility to the setup. Despite some bugs in earlier models, the system was functional, though not the most intuitive on the market.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services. The test vehicle featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. Additional tech options included a digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, night vision system, and Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and parking sensors. However, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Additional available features included a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and park assist.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the system's steering assist felt artificial. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including park assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but improvements over the previous model were expected.