2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

Both the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered unique styles that appealed to different segments of the market.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 had been designed with a rugged-looking exterior that captured the essence of a traditional SUV. It came with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end which sharply contrasted the more approachable look of previous RAV4 generations. This aggressive styling made the RAV4 stand out against many of its competitors. Although it looked rugged and rugged, the essence of the RAV4 was grounded in the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, similar to other models like the Camry. This blending of aggressive looks with a fundamentally ordinary mechanical base created a unique mix.

Toyota offered the RAV4 in various trims to further enhance its styling. The RAV4 Adventure model added a retro look with an Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents. The TRD Off-Road model introduced features like matte black 18-inch wheels, red interior accents, and a front skid plate. Interior elements were rugged too, with large rubberized knobs and door handles that enhanced functionality and differentiated it from other Toyota models. However, the material quality, which was good on the lower trims, did not seem to rise correspondingly with the price on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had a timeless exterior design. Even a decade after its first introduction, it remained as striking as ever, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its robust frame, large wheels, and flared fenders gave it a balanced look. The Grand Cherokee wasn’t easy to categorize as it simultaneously encapsulated attributes of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUVs.

The Grand Cherokee line-up ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to upscale Overland and Summit trims, and even included performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk, and the off-road-focused Trailhawk. Our test vehicle, the Summit trim with the Platinum Series Group package, featured polished exterior elements and gave the vehicle a premium appearance. Inside, it displayed premium materials such as quilted leather, wood trims, and a thick, wood-and-leather steering wheel, making it feel like a luxury SUV. However, dated switchgear and non-flush panel fittings were indicators of an overdue redesign.

The performance distinction between the two vehicles was stark.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with one engine option for its gasoline version—a "Dynamic Force" 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine had impressive thermal efficiency and liked to rev, the transmission showed hesitation, making the overall driving experience less dynamic. The steering lacked feel, making for a rather video game-like experience even with the “Sport” driving mode.

Where the RAV4 shined more was on the highway with low cabin noise and a smooth ride, particularly relevant for family-oriented buyers. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models had enhanced off-road capabilities with a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, the RAV4 fell short in real off-road trails due to limited suspension articulation and shallow angles.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, boasting 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine could tow up to 6,200 pounds, which was already impressive. Those seeking more power could opt for a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 which generated 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. This V8 also incorporated cylinder deactivation for better fuel efficiency but only managed up to 17 mpg in combined driving.

Jeep's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system featured a two-speed transfer case, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management, making the Grand Cherokee quite suitable for off-roading. The Quadra-Lift air suspension further enhanced its off-road capabilities by adapting ground clearance from 8.6 inches to an impressive 10.8 inches. In daily driving, the Grand Cherokee Summit was quick and responsive but could feel bouncy on uneven city roads.

When it came to internal space and practicality, both SUVs had their strengths and weaknesses.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a tall, upright roof providing competitive headroom in both rows, contributing to good outward visibility. While the front seats were praised for their comfort, the rear seats were deemed flat and hard, raising concerns for long trips. The RAV4 offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat but lacked the sliding function present in some competitors. With 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, it surpassed average but lagged behind leaders like the Honda CR-V. Practical touches such as oversized knobs and functional steering-wheel controls were a nod to its rugged styling. However, the cargo area’s higher lip made loading a bit cumbersome.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, particularly in the Summit trim, provided premium seating with quilted and perforated leather, extending an air of luxury. Both front seats had eight-way power adjustments and were heated and ventilated. However, controls for the heating and cooling were embedded in the Uconnect infotainment system, which could be distracting to use. The rear seats offered comfort but slightly limited legroom. Optional rear-seat entertainment could add to a claustrophobic feeling. The Grand Cherokee's practical touches included robust plastic grocery hooks and under-floor storage bins around the spare tire. Cargo space was a bit limited with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet when folded flat. While easy to fold down, the seats did not offer sliding functions.

Both vehicles came with robust infotainment systems, though they catered to different user preferences.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4's tech suite included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most RAV4 models came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim offered an 8-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available for charging. The system was user-friendly with intuitive placement of buttons and clear graphics but lacked flashiness and advanced features like a head-up display, available only on the RAV4 Prime model.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, although preparing for an advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system in the upcoming models, continued to impress with its Uconnect 4C with Nav. This system offered navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and the Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. With six months of SiriusXM satellite radio and five years of Traffic Plus and Travel Link, the Grand Cherokee satisfied tech needs efficiently. Its voice recognition was surprisingly effective for an older model. The nine-speaker Alpine sound system was standard, but the Summit trim boasted a high-end 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

Safety ratings were a crucial differentiator between the two models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” rating with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and Lane Tracing Assist, along with options like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its five-star overall rating from NHTSA for the 4WD version, suffered in IIHS ratings. It received “Marginal” and “Poor” scores in small-overlap frontal-impact tests and poor headlight ratings unless upgraded. However, its ProTech II Package for higher trims included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additionally, the Grand Cherokee offered a backup camera with guidance, parking sensors, and a ParkSense parking assistance system.