2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior's material quality was top-notch, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design felt dated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, though it remained functional. The lack of open small-item storage between the driver and passenger was a notable drawback.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite being over a decade old, maintained a timeless and appealing design. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels, flared fenders, and a balanced aesthetic. The Grand Cherokee's versatility was evident in its wide range of trims, from the affordable Laredo and Limited to the luxurious Overland and Summit, and the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk. For 2021, minor updates were made to the Laredo and Limited trims, and new versions like the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition were introduced.

Our test vehicle, the Summit trim, came with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, four-wheel drive, and several premium packages, bringing the MSRP to $68,185. The Platinum Series Group added body-color mirror caps, door handles, and a platinum chrome finish, enhancing the Grand Cherokee's premium look. Inside, the Summit trim featured premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede, creating a luxurious cabin. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with old-school switchgear and non-flush panel fits indicating the need for a redesign.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a slightly lower combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX's adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, offered a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering was somewhat numb. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was available, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it still achieved only 17 mpg combined.

The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system included a two-speed transfer case, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management with various settings. The Summit trim also featured a Quadra-Lift air suspension, offering 4.1 inches of variability for improved efficiency and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee performed well on trails and provided a comfortable ride during daily driving, though the V8 could be thirsty in the city. The SUV's tight turning radius and effective brakes added to its practicality.

The 2021 Lexus NX's interior was both stylish and comfortable, with ample room for adults in the front and rear seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, leather-wrapped panels, and a heated steering wheel. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat was comfortable but had somewhat limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system could make the back seat feel cramped. Interior storage was adequate, though the DVD/Blu-Ray player took up much of the center console bin. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Practical features included a recessed bin, under-floor storage, and a power liftgate.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the Navigation package added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its user-unfriendly interface. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available on higher trims. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app and Enform Services Connect were also included.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times, pleasing graphics, and separate stereo controls. Features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM provided satellite radio, Traffic Plus, Travel Link services, and SiriusXM Guardian for remote access and emergency services. The voice recognition technology worked well, allowing control of many features through voice commands. The Summit trim came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing excellent sound quality. Overall, the Grand Cherokee's technology offerings were robust, though the upcoming 2022 model promised even more advanced features.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, with park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights available as options. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, with "Superior" front crash-prevention technology and an "Acceptable" LATCH system rating. The NHTSA awarded the NX a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While the NHTSA gave the 4WD model a five-star overall rating, the 2WD model received only four stars due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated the Grand Cherokee "Marginal" for driver-side small-overlap frontal impacts and "Poor" for passenger-side impacts. The standard headlights also received a "Poor" rating unless upgraded. The Summit trim included the ProTech II Package, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a backup camera, parking sensors, and ParkSense parking assistance.