2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition trim to celebrate its 65th anniversary. This edition was available in four colors, with Midnight Black being the standout choice, complemented by bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof storage basket. However, the standard Land Cruiser, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray paint with Terra semi-aniline premium leather upholstery. From the outside, it resembled a first-generation Toyota Highlander, with oversized headlights and taillights, and a chrome-heavy design. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with Lexus design themes, featuring high-quality materials, a traditional hand-operated parking brake, and a CD player, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the more expensive Wagoneer models. It was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Available in multiple trim levels, the Grand Cherokee L offered a range of pricing and features, with the Summit trim providing a luxurious experience. Despite some interior material shortcomings, the redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. This engine was remarkably quiet during acceleration, with just enough of its characteristic note audible to remind drivers of its power. The Land Cruiser averaged 14.7 mpg during testing, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. An eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to all four wheels through a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a full-size spare tire. It also boasted advanced traction control systems, including Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making it capable of handling challenging terrains. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight was evident in its handling. It had a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The Grand Cherokee L's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, but it averaged 17.8 mpg during testing. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine was available, generating 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension, providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. It offered a smooth ride and capable handling, with a tight turning circle and a secure on-center steering feel. The Grand Cherokee L was well-suited for both off-road adventures and highway cruising.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, despite its dated appearance, exuded luxury with plush, premium leather upholstery and supportive seats. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel was heated. The Land Cruiser offered a commanding view of the road, with a roomy second-row bench seat and a standard third-row seat. However, storage space was limited, with a small center console bin and a wireless smartphone charger. The Land Cruiser provided 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The maximum cargo space was 82.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized comfort, especially in the Summit trim, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. It featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, though the dashboard vents were small, affecting cooling efficiency. The Grand Cherokee L offered captain's chairs in the second row, with the option for a bench seat. The third row was comfortable for most adults, with large side windows providing a great view. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded. The maximum cargo volume was 84.6 cubic feet.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was reminiscent of a simpler era, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that required tapping rather than swiping. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but offered Siri Eyes Free voice control and a three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. The dashboard featured large buttons and knobs for easy control, while the rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with 11.6-inch displays that played DVDs. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's natural voice-recognition worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The Grand Cherokee L offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and a curb weight of nearly 6,000 pounds, providing a sense of security in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Land Cruiser also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, detecting threats at intersections. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but improvements over the previous model were expected.