2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 had the rare accomplishment of reshaping an automaker’s image through design when it debuted as a 2016 model. Historically known for conservative styling, Volvo managed to add more character to the XC90 while maintaining a recognizably Volvo appearance. Unlike the radical styling overhaul Lexus attempted, Volvo retained traditional features like the boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille. The significance lay in the details: softer lines, more chrome replacing unpainted plastic, and distinct LED headlights featuring "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights.

The Inscription trim of the XC90 test car was particularly flashy with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The midlevel R-Design went for a sportier look with standard 20-inch wheels and newly designed 19-inch wheels for the base Momentum trim in 2021. The XC90 shared the Scalable Product Architecture platform with other Volvo models, enhancing its modern crossover profile.

Inside, the XC90’s interior was characterized by “Swedish minimalism”—nice-looking materials arranged thoughtfully, without overwhelming complexity. Volvo’s matte-finish wood trim offered a natural look compared to the heavy lacquer on competitors, and the XC90 featured unique elements like wool upholstery (with Nappa leather as an option) and an Orrefors crystal shifter. The restrained interior avoided over-the-top luxury, instead providing a clean, subtle elegance.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L entered the market as an entirely new seven-passenger model, separate from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. This elongated SUV featured a third row, increased cargo volume, and styling cues from the forthcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. True to Jeep's design ethos, the Grand Cherokee L boasted the signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. With no misplaced lines or awkward proportions, it maintained a distinctive Jeep appearance across various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with pricing ranging from $36,995 to $64,235 and an additional $1,695 destination charge.

The Summit trim test vehicle sported four-wheel drive, metallic paint, Advanced Pro Tech Group, Luxury Tech Group, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, topping out at $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet high-end expectations, the Summit’s quilted leather, real wood trim, and extensive technology offerings elevated its luxury status compared to previous models.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assistance, delivering a substantial 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional, while the T6 and T8 models included AWD as standard.

While the 400 hp T8 delivered ample power, the small engine size posed limitations in terms of flexibility compared to the six-cylinder or V8 engines found in rival SUVs. The XC90 struggled with acceleration solely on electric power, often requiring gasoline engine intervention even at low speeds. With three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—efficiency was often at odds with performance. Pure mode functioned best at low speeds with gentle acceleration, as the gasoline engine would automatically engage when needed.

Despite these challenges, the XC90 excelled with its luxurious ride quality, thanks in part to an optional air-suspension system. It maintained body control through corners, ensuring a comfortable experience without excessive body roll. The cabin was quiet and refined, with the option to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

In comparison, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems with front-axle disconnect technology, it had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined.

An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine was available for select trims, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. Although the V6 provided brisk acceleration, it was noisy under heavy load. The eight-speed automatic transmission functioned well, but the Auto driving mode sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy.

Jeep’s Quadra-Lift suspension offered variable ground clearance up to 10.9 inches, enhancing the Grand Cherokee L’s off-road capabilities. Additional Selec-Terrain modes and a Quadra-Drive II system with an electronic locking differential and low-range settings broadened its off-road prowess. Despite the soft ride in Auto mode, the Grand Cherokee L demonstrated a sturdy feel and competent handling, making it pleasant for daily driving and capable on rugged terrain.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations with captain’s chairs or a bench seat for the second row, respectively. It offered an upright roof profile and panoramic moonroof that contributed to a spacious interior feel, accentuated by standard four-zone climate control with optional fine particulate filtration. However, third-row legroom and headroom were average, with the seats felt harder and less supportive.

The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, although the steering wheel was manually adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and few console storage options. Cargo capacity for the T8 Recharge model measured 11.2 cubic feet with all seats up, 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.1 cubic feet in total—falling behind segment leaders.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort and practicality, especially in the Summit trim, featuring 12-way power-adjustable heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. A four-zone automatic climate control system provided air vents across all three rows, yet the dashboard vents were small and less effective in cooling the cabin swiftly.

Standard captain’s chairs in the second row offered ample legroom and comfort, with optional manual side window sunshades. Notably, the chairs could tip and slide forward without removing child safety seats, making third-row access easier. The third row provided decent comfort and large side windows for visibility.

Front-seat storage space was limited, but the second-row benefited from a versatile storage console. Cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 84.6 cubic feet, outperforming the XC90’s cargo capacity by a significant margin.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 came equipped with the Sensus infotainment system, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Additional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display (HUD). The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, akin to a tablet, with minimal buttons that enhanced the minimalist aesthetic. However, reading some menus while driving was challenging due to the amount of text and the typeface. The wireless charging pad introduced in 2021 was too small for most phones, and the lack of USB-C ports in the front was a notable drawback.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L debuted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, promising faster response times and an improved 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 a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Voice recognition with a programmable wake phrase and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system were highlights, though the McIntosh logo felt out of place.

Jeep also offered a range of digital enhancements such as a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a digital rearview mirror, thermal-imaging night vision, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. Importantly, the head-up display was clearly visible, even to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 earned the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It excelled in various crash tests and front-crash prevention evaluations. Volvo's extensive list of standard safety features included lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Pilot Assist—a comprehensive driver aid combining adaptive cruise control and lane centering.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, designed for enhancing long highway trips. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit trims, could detect and respond to potential threats at intersections. Other features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist for automated parking.

Crash-test ratings weren't available at the time, but Jeep aimed to improve upon the older Grand Cherokee’s dated safety benchmarks.