2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083, was a fully-loaded model that didn't quite look the part. Despite its high-end features, it resembled a standard rental car RAV4. The trim level lacked the larger wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited, and the electronic all-wheel-drive system wasn't robust enough for an Adventure trim. However, the RAV4 Hybrid had a tough appearance, needing only bolder wheels to complete the look. Inside, it was stylish and practical, though the quality was inconsistent, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was a minor annoyance.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the older two-row Grand Cherokee. It was an extended version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo space. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. It had a signature Jeep look with a seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Available in multiple trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235. Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD and several premium features, had a window sticker of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't match the high price, the quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing, and the technology was impressive.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, offering lively acceleration thanks to the instant electric-motor torque. However, the four-cylinder engine sounded unpleasant when revved. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and our testing loop averaged 39.7 mpg. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and controlled ride, though the all-season tires lacked grip in corners. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a Trail mode, it handled light off-road conditions well.

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 either RWD or 4WD. 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, generated 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. Our test vehicle had the V6 and 4WD, offering brisk acceleration but loud engine noise when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy, averaging 17.8 mpg in our testing. The Grand Cherokee L featured multiple driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Quadra-Lift air suspension providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. It handled off-road terrain well and offered a smooth ride on highways, though the steering assist felt artificial.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom, reclining backrests, and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and cupholders. The cargo area provided 37.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 offered plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual sunshades for the windows. The third-row seats were comfortable for most adults, with large side windows providing a good view. Storage space was limited for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers had a storage console. The cargo area 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 rows down.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered several infotainment systems, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Our test vehicle had the top-shelf system with an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The JBL sound system was satisfactory, and the RAV4 Hybrid also offered a 360-degree camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a road-sign recognition system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on all but the Hybrid LE trim, and rear automatic braking was available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial. The system will become hands-free in the 2022 model year. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's performance.