2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its utilitarian roots, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Once a rugged workhorse, it had become a vehicle that offered a plush experience with features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in high-end leather. The Range Rover's design, despite nearing a decade in age, maintained a timeless appeal with its clean lines and hallmark design cues. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its high-contrast design and mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known through its unique sound and appearance. While it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version was distinguishable by its power port and blue accents. The Wrangler 4xe's interior retained the classic Wrangler look, with a focus on functionality and simplicity. Despite its rugged nature, the interior offered more comfort than previous models, with soft-touch materials and practical features like charging ports and storage solutions. The Wrangler 4xe's charm lay in its purposeful design, though it lacked the luxury and refinement of the Range Rover.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. With a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, the Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities. Its adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The EPA rated the Range Rover's fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup offered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Wrangler 4xe to reach 60 mph in six seconds. The PHEV provided an estimated 21 miles of electric driving range and a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, each offering different driving experiences. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe averaged 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 of those miles on electricity.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were comfortable and luxurious, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with small compartments and a modest cargo area of 25 cubic feet, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover's design prioritized luxury over practicality, with features like quad-zone climate control and a refrigerated center console.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the interior offered comfort and practicality. The driving position provided excellent visibility, and the rear seats offered good support and amenities like air vents and charging ports. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet, though the design of the tailgate and spare tire could make loading cumbersome. The Wrangler 4xe's interior focused on functionality, with storage solutions and a classic Wrangler feel.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo system offered numerous features, it was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The vehicle also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technology centered around its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, the system showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Wrangler 4xe also provided helpful charging indicators and trip summary data, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with essential safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the vehicle's overall safety ratings were mixed, with concerns about rollover resistance and frontal-impact protection.