2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely resembled its gasoline counterpart in both appearance and dimensions. Measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, it maintained the same visual profile, including the 19-inch alloy wheels on the Touring model. Inside, the cabin was nearly identical to the non-hybrid version, featuring the same dashboard, multi-function center console, and 7-inch infotainment screen. However, subtle differences were present, such as blue-outlined Honda emblems and "Hybrid" badges, a hidden exhaust in the rear bumper, and LED fog lights on EX models and above. The gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters were repurposed for brake regeneration adjustments.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a fourth-generation model, continued to impress with its timeless design, combining rugged utility and upscale sophistication. Its appeal lay in its versatility, offering a range of trims from the affordable Laredo and Limited to the luxurious Overland and Summit, and even performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and four-wheel drive, showcased premium features like body-color mirror caps and a platinum chrome finish. Inside, the Summit's cabin exuded luxury with premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum accents. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with all-wheel drive, combining a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. This setup eliminated the need for a traditional transmission, using four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch. The hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined. In comparison, the gasoline model offered 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, with a CVT and lower fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid's driving experience was enhanced by its on-demand torque, making it more enjoyable than the gasoline version.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 offered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, along with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in urban settings.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while maintaining the same exterior dimensions as its gasoline counterpart, sacrificed some cargo space to accommodate the battery pack. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the non-hybrid model. However, it still provided more cargo volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid excelled in passenger comfort, offering more front headroom and rear legroom than its competitors. The configurable center console bin added practicality, though the armrest's adjustability was overly eager.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller passengers. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. Cargo space measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet when folded. Practical storage solutions included grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate closing button.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector. Higher trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and additional USB ports. The top-tier Touring trim included navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's lack of haptic feedback and complicated menu navigation detracted from the user experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's user-friendly interface and responsive touchscreen made it a pleasure to use. The Grand Cherokee also included voice recognition technology and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was impressive, the Grand Cherokee's overall technology offerings were relatively basic compared to newer models.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included the ProTech II Package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also featured parking assistance systems, though its safety ratings were a concern.