2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen’s gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. It featured a third-row seat and more cargo volume, with styling reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L was available in multiple trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim test vehicle included features like a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system and various tech packages, bringing the total price to $64,770. While some interior materials didn’t meet the high price expectations, the quilted and perforated leather and real wood trim were appealing, and the redesigned interior represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel drive (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn’t offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

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 one of three 4WD systems. 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 on higher trims, generated 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle with the V6 and 4WD offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved, and the eight-speed automatic sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L featured various driving modes, including Sport and off-road settings, and the Quadra-Lift air suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The SUV handled well on twisty roads and offered a smooth ride, with a tight turning circle and good on-center steering feel on the highway.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than some EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility and substandard rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The unconventional twist-grip gear selector freed up some storage space, but the narrow center console limited space for larger items. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats helped maintain cabin heat efficiently, and the seats were comfortable, though the driver’s seat lacked thigh support.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L in 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 with air vents in all three rows. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain’s chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a good view. The Grand Cherokee L offered practical storage for second and third-row passengers, but front-seat storage was limited. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads for most controls. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier operation, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature, a light strip at the base of the windshield, communicated information to the driver but was mostly forgettable. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus, offering a choice between smartphone-like icons or a split-screen setup.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality, especially for bass-heavy music. Additional tech features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the steering assist felt artificial. The system is expected to become hands-free in 2022. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, could detect threats from either side at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee’s safety performance.