2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek epitomized the approach "if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em." As consumers gravitated towards crossovers for their rugged appearance, AWD capabilities, and elevated driving positions, Subaru adapted by transforming its Impreza hatchback into the Crossstrek. Like its larger sibling, the Outback, the Crosstrek managed to retain longevity amid the dwindling station wagon market, embracing a similar strategy.

Visually, the Crosstrek stood apart from the Impreza with distinctive black body cladding, specific 17-inch wheels, and a higher ride height offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance—a figure commendable among SUVs. These alterations imbued the Crosstrek with SUV-like characteristics and a unique identity compared to the Impreza hatchback. Subaru's penchant for vibrant color options, such as the 2021 model's Plasma Yellow Pearl, further enhanced its appeal.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with the Legacy/Outback, Ascent, and Forester, the Crosstrek exhibited a commendable design noted for its refinement and polish.

Inside, the Crosstrek's cabin was functional but somewhat unadorned. The Sport trim featured clashing Plasma Yellow Pearl accents against a Horizon Blue Pearl exterior and cheap-looking simulated carbon-fiber trim. However, the water-repellent StarTex upholstery was practical for adventurous outings.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, an entirely new model distinct from its predecessor, targeted consumers preferring more spacious transport. Unlike the soon-to-be-redesigned five-passenger Grand Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee L introduced an extended body and a third-row seat, providing more cargo volume and seating capacity. Its design took cues from the upcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, yielding a smaller yet similarly luxurious appearance.

Every line and proportion on the Grand Cherokee L exemplified Jeep’s signature design: the seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. The model was available in multiple trims, from the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, with prices spanning $36,995 to $64,235. Our Summit trim test vehicle retailed at $64,770, inclusive of advanced tech and luxury options like the 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

Although some interior materials fell short for its price point, the Summit trim boasted quilted, perforated leather seats, appealing real wood trim, and advanced technology, significantly enhancing the interior's quality over its predecessor.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was available with two gasoline powertrains in 2021. The new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine, standard on the Sport and Limited trims, delivered 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the Base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter boxer-four engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid variant had been an option since 2019, but Subaru hadn't announced a 2021 update.

Subaru’s boxer engine design, known for its low profile and enhanced handling characteristics, albeit somewhat negated by the SUV-like raised ride height, is a trademark. The Crosstrek offered a six-speed manual transmission on Base and Premium trims, though most buyers preferred the optional CVT, which was standard on the Sport and Limited trims.

Every Crosstrek came with standard AWD, a rarity among small crossovers, accompanied by torque vectoring and the X-Mode system for enhanced loose surface handling and hill descent control. The new Sport trim also featured Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, though its off-road capabilities were still limited. On pavement, it handled predictably like the Impreza but with noticeable body roll due to the higher center of gravity. Its ride comfort balanced this well, accompanied by a low level of wind noise at highway speeds. Despite the additional power of the 2.5-liter engine, acceleration remained just adequate with a noticeable CVT droning.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or three available 4WD systems. It achieved a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg and a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine provided 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, enhancing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds, though reducing combined fuel economy to 17 mpg. Our test vehicle had the V6 and 4WD, offering brisk acceleration but with noticeable engine noise at higher revs. The eight-speed transmission performed well, though it resisted downshifts to improve fuel efficiency, resulting in our observed 17.8 mpg, falling short of EPA estimates.

Jeep’s Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and an impressive array of off-road modes and features, enabling the Grand Cherokee L to handle challenging terrains. Its handling on uneven pavement was softened in Auto mode, yet the variable-ratio steering and large 20-inch wheels maintained capable handling on curvier roads.

The Crosstrek shared its front and rear legroom with the Impreza hatchback, with marginally more rear headroom. Cargo space was the same for both models: 20.8 cubic feet with rear seats up and 55.3 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. This positioned the Crosstrek competitively in passenger space against other small crossovers but lagging in cargo space compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos.

The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder with CVT models, aimed at preventing children or pets from being left unattended. Its interior storage was limited but practical, with a cubby hole for phones, decent-sized door bottle holders, and two USB ports located in the front cubby.

In comparison, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in comfort and space. The Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and four-zone automatic climate control. However, small dashboard vents struggled to cool the cabin effectively. The captain’s chairs in the second row offered significant legroom and comfort, with sunshades for additional privacy. The third row provided adequate space for average-sized adults, with large windows ensuring a pleasant view.

Cargo capacity in the Grand Cherokee L measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Practical storage was slightly lacking, though the second-row console enhanced usability.

The Crosstrek’s Starlink infotainment system included a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims offered a Multimedia Plus system with WiFi, SiriusXM, and a single-disc CD player. The top Limited trim came with an optional 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, featuring responsive controls and intuitive navigation. The Crosstrek also incorporated large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions, with steering wheel controls for EyeSight driver assistance features.

Jeep’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system, claimed to be much faster and more user-friendly, was a standout in the Grand Cherokee L. Available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, it facilitated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system’s natural voice-recognition worked well, despite minor quirks. Our test vehicle featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system with exceptional sound quality.

Additional tech features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, thermal-imaging night vision, and a rear-seat monitoring system, displaying the head-up display clearly even to drivers with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek achieved a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS hadn't rated the 2021 model, but the 2020 model earned Top Safety Pick status with the highest rating in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech for models equipped with EyeSight and optional Steering Responsive Headlights.

EyeSight included standard adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more on CVT-equipped models. The system was effective, although not perfect in lane-keeping, and the positioning of its cameras limited functionality under certain conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. While effective, it felt somewhat artificial in steering adjustments. The system promised a hands-free upgrade in the 2022 model. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit trims, added another layer of safety by monitoring intersections for potential collisions. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids and parking assistance technologies.