2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was a remarkable effort by Toyota to elevate the traditional minivan’s aesthetics. Descriptions likened its appearance to an SUV, giving it a more robust and assertive presence. The wide grille emphasized the Sienna’s width, complemented by sleek horizontal LED headlamp arrays integrated with the Toyota logo. The re-engineered sliding side doors featured a sculpted body line that extended from the rocker panels and bulged over the rear wheels, a design change facilitated by innovative hinge and slide mechanisms. Its range of alloy wheels, from 17-inch to 20-inch, varied by trim and came in several finishes, enhancing its visual appeal. From the rear, the Sienna managed to look wide and low, despite its minivan dimensions. The exterior fit and finish were exemplary of Toyota’s renowned quality.

Inside, the Sienna continued the emphasis on a broad appearance with horizontal lines dominating the interior layout. Although it didn’t quite replicate an SUV feel, the seating position was comfortably elevated. The dashboard maintained a simple and uncluttered design, with the controls conveniently clustered beneath the infotainment screen. The center console was particularly notable, housing various controls, cup holders, and a spacious storage compartment beneath the armrest. This bridge-style console left a tray below for additional storage, ideal for a handbag. The materials used throughout the cabin were of high quality, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel added a luxury touch. Both the second and third rows were designed with adult comfort in mind, with the second row featuring either captain’s chairs or a bench seat that could slide fore and aft for maximum utility.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L stepped up from the well-known two-row model by introducing a three-row variant with a completely redesigned look, distinct from the earlier Grand Cherokee. Expected to pull consumers with its styling alone, the Grand Cherokee L bore a resemblance to the larger Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. Identifiable as a Jeep, it sported the iconic seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a familiar lighting setup. The SUV’s proportions and styling were designed without any missteps, ensuring uniform appeal across all trim levels.

The Grand Cherokee L was available in several trims—Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve—ranging from $36,995 to $64,235 before a $1,695 destination charge. The reviewed Summit trim featured four-wheel drive, premium audio, advanced technology packages, and a luxury interior with quilted leather and real wood trim that enhanced its premium feel, despite some materials falling short of expectations at higher price points. The extensive tech and appealing interior marked a significant improvement over older models.

Under the hood, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, yielding a total of 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with the option for all-wheel drive on all trims, accomplished through a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. This setup provided 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque without the complexity of traditional AWD systems. The Sienna’s electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) aimed for smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency, though it did blunt throttle response, leading to a less engaging driving experience. Four drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) allowed for subtle driving adjustments. Handling improvements were notable due to the new suspension system, reducing body roll and ensuring a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a major highlight, with FWD models rated at 36 mpg across the board and AWD models achieving slightly lower but still impressive fuel economy.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or several 4WD systems. The optional 5.7-liter V8 engine provided 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, enhancing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy. The standard V6 had acceptable but sometimes loud acceleration, while fuel economy performance fell short of expectations during testing, averaging 17.8 mpg. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and multiple off-road modes (Auto, Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock) bolstered the Grand Cherokee’s versatility. At its highest setting, the Quadra-Lift suspension offered substantial ground clearance and water fording capabilities. The four-wheel independent suspension and large wheels contributed to stable handling, and the vehicle demonstrated adeptness in various driving conditions.

A standout feature of the 2021 Toyota Sienna was its extensive utility and convenience. The minivan catered to a broad range of passengers with a 60/40-split third-row bench and a second row that slid up to 25 inches. This practical arrangement facilitated easier access to the third row and provided flexible space for passengers and cargo. The Sienna boasted an impressive 16 cupholders overall, supporting its family-friendly design. Cargo capacity was also notable, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row, allowing it to transport large items like plywood with the tailgate closed. The hybrid battery, located under the front seats, didn't impede cargo space and came with a lengthy warranty for peace of mind. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, responsive to kick motions, added to its practical appeal.

In contrast, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L delivered comfort and practicality with a high-end interior in the Summit trim. Features included heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the front air vents were deemed too small, affecting cooling efficiency. The second-row captain’s chairs (or optional bench seat) offered ample legroom and comfort, with manual sunshades protecting against harsh sunlight. Notably, child safety seats could remain installed while the seats were tipped and slid forward for third-row access. The third row provided sufficient comfort for adults, and large windows offered ample visibility. Despite its family-friendly design, the Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space in the front, though second-row passengers benefited from a versatile storage console.

Cargo capacities for the Grand Cherokee L were slightly less than the Sienna’s, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. A useful storage bin under the load floor added to its utility.

Toyota packed the 2021 Sienna with a wealth of standard and optional technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard across all trims, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, a USB media port, and six USB charging ports. Connectivity features included trials of Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible wireless charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and advanced audio systems, including the 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio package. An optional rear-seat entertainment system provided an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote control, and wireless headphones. The driver’s convenience was enhanced with a multi-information display (up to 7-inch on higher trims), a 10-inch color HUD, and an optional digital rearview mirror. Keyless entry with push-button start and a Smart Key System added modern convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, boasting faster response times and a better user experience. Available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The new digital assistant responded to “Hey Jeep” and worked effectively, despite some minor quirks. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality but had a somewhat mismatched aesthetic. The Grand Cherokee L also offered advanced tech options, such as a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a night vision system, and the Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, encompassing features like dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alerts, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Additionally, the Sienna had ten airbags and multiple LATCH connectors, adaptable to either seven or eight-passenger configurations. A rear-seat reminder system and TPMS were standard, while the spare tire placement improved safety and convenience. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were yet to be released, but previous models received commendable scores.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, designed for more relaxed long-distance driving. Despite some teething issues, Jeep intended to upgrade it to a hands-free system by 2022. Intersection Collision Assist was another innovative safety feature available on Summit trims, capable of detecting side-approaching threats and applying brakes if needed. The Grand Cherokee L included a full suite of expected driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were pending, but improvements from older models were expected.