2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup by offering a three-row SUV. Its design echoed the smaller Forester and Outback models, scaled up to accommodate three rows. The interior followed suit, with a dash design similar to other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for Subaru enthusiasts. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each adding progressively more features, from driver-assistance technologies to premium audio systems and ventilated seats.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a fourth-generation model, maintained its timeless and rugged design, appealing to both utility and luxury SUV buyers. The Grand Cherokee lineup was diverse, ranging from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, and performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a luxurious cabin environment. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, provided adequate performance for most driving scenarios. The Ascent excelled in comfort and handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode system making it capable in snowy conditions and light off-roading. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was available, producing 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management made it highly capable off-road. The Summit trim included a Quadra-Lift air suspension, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. It provided seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips or children. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage trays and cubbies.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, while comfortable, offered limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. Cargo space behind the rear seat was 36.3 cubic feet, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The Grand Cherokee included practical features like grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate closing button accessible to shorter drivers.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with logical menus and large icons. It came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. The system included voice recognition technology and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Summit trim. Despite its age, the infotainment system remained impressive, though the Grand Cherokee was otherwise “tech lite” compared to newer models.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ thanks to its crash test results and Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. It also offered optional features like reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety ratings. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but performed poorly in IIHS small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Summit trim included numerous safety features like 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. It also offered parking assistance systems and a backup camera.