2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a classic appeal with its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. Its balanced appearance made it suitable for both rugged trails and upscale settings, appealing to a diverse range of buyers. The model offered a wide range of variants, from the Laredo starting at $46,245 to the high-performance Trackhawk at $116,845. The Limited X variant, priced at $62,140 Canadian, featured a sport-themed design with a ventilated hood and 20-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. However, the interior, especially in models priced over $60,000, was criticized for its use of hard plastics, which detracted from the overall premium feel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee continued to impress with its timeless design, combining rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit, and the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk. The 2021 model introduced minor updates and new editions like the Altitude and 80th Anniversary Edition, with prices ranging from $45,000 to over $105,000 Canadian. The Summit trim, equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine and premium interior packages, offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a striking Indigo and Ski Gray colour scheme. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits indicating the need for a redesign.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower, offering satisfying acceleration and a fuel consumption rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available, including the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 in the SRT with 475 hp. The Trackhawk model, with its supercharged 6.2-litre V8, delivered an astounding 707 horsepower, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The Grand Cherokee offered four different 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Trac II system providing excellent off-road capabilities. However, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee also featured the standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with 295 horsepower, capable of towing up to 2,818 kilograms. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, paired with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, offered 360 hp and a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 included cylinder deactivation technology, achieving a fuel consumption rating of 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The Summit trim came with a Quadra-Lift air suspension, enhancing off-road performance and providing a smooth ride on highways. The Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius and effective brakes added to its appeal, though the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness were noted drawbacks.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 1,028 litres behind the backseat, expanding to 1,934 litres with the seats folded. The front seats were heated and power-adjustable, though ventilation was not available in the Limited X trim. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate comfort with air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat offered comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. Interior storage was adequate, though the rear-seat entertainment system reduced console space. Cargo space matched the 2020 model, with 1,028 litres behind the rear seat and 1,934 litres with the seats folded. Practical features included a recessed bin for bottles and a power liftgate button for easy access.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offered navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system was user-friendly, though the ride's bounciness could affect touchscreen accuracy. The Off-Road Pages app provided valuable off-roading information, while the optional Alpine audio system delivered good sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system remained impressive, offering navigation, smartphone integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim included a powerful 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," it offered essential features and advanced driving assistance systems, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with ProTech I standard on all trims, including a reversing camera and blind-spot monitoring. ProTech II added features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, while Advanced ProTech II included adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous parking assist. Despite these features, the Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and poor ratings from IIHS in certain crash tests.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its ProTech II Package, offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The 4WD model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, but IIHS ratings highlighted concerns in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Grand Cherokee's safety features worked well, providing effective accident prevention and assistance in various driving situations.