2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different performance and seating needs. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front-end design introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling elements and performance dampers. Inside, even the base RX 350 model was well-appointed with features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, while higher trims offered semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats. However, the center console's dated design and infotainment system were points of contention.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was distinct from the existing two-row Grand Cherokee. It was an extended version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling, reminiscent of the upcoming Wagoneer models, was expected to drive strong sales. It retained Jeep's signature design elements like the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Available in six trims—Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve—pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim test vehicle featured 4WD, metallic paint, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, totaling $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing, and the interior represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel drive and the RXL variant reduced combined fuel economy to 21 mpg. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid, with a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivered 308 hp and managed 29-31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive suspension and sport seats. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7-7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

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 and rear-wheel drive or three 4WD systems. The V6 had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle with the V6 and 4WD offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved, and the transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Quadra-Lift air suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L's handling was capable, with a smooth ride and secure on-center steering feel, though the Sport mode held revs too high.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seats offered ample space, but the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version provided 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. A storage console between the captain's chairs and a useful storage bin under the load floor added practicality.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was less refined than competitors, and the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with faster response and improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle had the 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which sounded great but had a logo that didn't fit the interior's vibe. Other available features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid, with their longer bodies, were not tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. The RX lacked hands-off piloting-like software found in some competitors, and there were two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the second row.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The system worked well but felt artificial in the driver's hands. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and could apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.