2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand now owned by Geely Holding Group, showcased a refined and elegant design. Built on Volvo’s SPA platform, the XC60 featured a tailored two-box design with short overhangs, an upright grille with the iconic iron mark logo, and Thor’s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were meticulously executed, and the interior boasted clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere, epitomizing Scandinavian style. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, complemented by elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures and colors throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, with its distinctive styling, had a more rugged appearance that evolved over its seven-year presence. The exterior look varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the upscale 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels. Jeep’s expertise in roof design was evident with the optional panoramic sunroof. The Cherokee’s design ensured it stood out in a crowded parking lot, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with AWD, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, thanks to both a turbocharger and a supercharger. The T8 models, plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, achieving 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the T8 Polestar Engineered variant pushing it to 415 hp. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth, secure ride, making it an excellent road-trip vehicle. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV, with 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission, despite early issues, proved capable and fuel-efficient. The Cherokee’s off-road capabilities shone in the Trailhawk model, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 seconds for the V6 and 7.4 seconds for the turbo-four. The Cherokee was available in FWD, making it a cost-effective option for rental fleets.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and functionality, particularly in winter conditions. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, and the heating system effectively handled sub-freezing temperatures. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Smart storage solutions were present throughout the cabin, and the vehicle could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than many competitors. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior design varied by trim level, from the basic Latitude with rubberized black plastic to the upscale Trailhawk with suede seat inserts and the Latitude Lux with perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style touchpad interface that divided the screen into function quadrants. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system was exceptional. However, the system had a learning curve and could be distracting while driving.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee’s Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its ease of use, with 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreen options. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, and the system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the vehicle’s top speed was restricted to 112 mph for safety.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS but received “Good” scores in crashworthiness and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.