2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. Its balanced appearance made it versatile enough to fit in both rugged outdoor settings and upscale urban environments, appealing to a diverse range of buyers across various demographics. However, as the price of the Grand Cherokee increased, the interior materials did not always match the premium expectations, with hard plastics becoming more noticeable and disappointing in higher-priced models.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more generic, blending in with other compact crossovers in the market. While it lacked distinctive styling, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of interior materials that improved with higher trims. The exterior colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, but the CR-V's design focused more on functionality than aesthetics, appealing to buyers prioritizing practicality over standout looks.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with a standard 295-horsepower, 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing satisfying acceleration and a fuel consumption rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the Grand Cherokee offered three V8 engine options, including a 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the Trackhawk model, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The Grand Cherokee's off-road capabilities were highlighted by the Trailhawk model, featuring all-terrain tires and advanced 4WD systems. However, its on-road driving dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but a tendency for excessive suspension movements.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was not designed for high-performance thrills but rather for smooth and steady driving. It featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, with acceleration to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims, and its suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and a cargo space of 1,028 litres behind the backseat, expanding to 1,934 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured heated, power-adjustable front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, though the integration of seat heater controls with the infotainment system was a minor annoyance. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate comfort and amenities, while interior storage was decent, with thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, it provided 1,065 litres of cargo space. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate options, enhancing convenience. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was a standout feature, known for its speed and ease of use, though the bouncy ride could make touchscreen interactions challenging. The system included an 8.4-inch display, navigation, and smartphone connectivity, with an optional Alpine audio system. Unique to Jeep, the Off-Road Pages app provided valuable off-roading information.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V also offered multiple charging ports and a wireless phone charger on higher trims, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star NHTSA rating and Marginal to Poor IIHS ratings in certain tests.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Honda's Sensing system made advanced safety features standard across all trims, including forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist, though blind-spot monitoring was reserved for higher trims.