2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender evoked nostalgia with its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights were a nod to traditional Land Rover aesthetics, contrasting sharply with the smoother contours of the current Discovery. The Defender's rugged exterior, complete with skid plates and short overhangs, was designed for off-road adventures, while its Burberry trench coat-like appearance exuded a timeless, purposeful charm. Despite some modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender retained quirky features such as alpine lights and an external spare tire, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, prioritizing durability over luxury. The cabin featured cloth seats, exposed screws, and a powder-coated aluminum bar across the dash. While leather options were available, many models used water-resistant synthetic materials. The infotainment system was neatly integrated, and the overall design was reminiscent of a commercial vehicle. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior lacked the luxury expected at its price point, feeling more like a well-assembled Jeep Wrangler with softer materials.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal with a design that balanced rugged utility and upscale sophistication. Its flared fenders and big wheels gave it a commanding presence, while the overall styling remained a benchmark for SUVs. The Grand Cherokee's versatility was evident in its diverse lineup, ranging from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit, and the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. This adaptability contributed to its enduring success, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

Our test vehicle, the Summit trim, showcased the Grand Cherokee's luxury with premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum accents. The Indigo and Ski Gray colour scheme added a unique touch, while quilted seat bolsters and a wood-and-leather steering wheel enhanced the cabin's upscale feel. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite these drawbacks, the Grand Cherokee's interior remained comfortable and well-appointed, offering a blend of luxury and practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with impressive performance capabilities. Its optional 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, aided by a mild hybrid system that eliminated turbo lag. The Defender's air springs provided a smooth ride, and its off-road prowess was enhanced by Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. The Defender excelled in challenging terrains, with capabilities like a 38-degree approach angle and the ability to wade through 90 centimetres of water. Despite its off-road focus, the Defender remained comfortable on pavement, offering a versatile driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, along with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, while its on-road performance was characterized by speed, responsiveness, and a relatively quiet cabin. However, the V8's fuel efficiency was a drawback, and the ride could feel bouncy on uneven surfaces.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality with its rugged design and versatile interior. The two-door Defender 90 offered an optional jump seat, allowing for six passengers or additional cargo space. The four-door Defender 110 provided seating for up to seven with an optional third row. The cabin layout was simple and practical, with generous headroom and legroom. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the two-door 90 offering up to 1,263 litres and the four-door 110 providing up to 1,875 litres. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 kilograms, and its durability was demonstrated through rigorous testing.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seat provided comfort despite limited legroom. The Grand Cherokee's cargo space was practical, with 1,028 litres behind the rear seat and 1,934 litres with the second row folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the optional rear-seat entertainment system reduced console space. The Grand Cherokee's power liftgate and folding rear seats added convenience, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It featured dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality. The system's interface was user-friendly, though some elements like map zoom icons were small. The Defender's off-road capabilities were supported by front cameras, a rearview mirror screen, and various off-road readings. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system provided a nearly flawless user experience. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee's technology offerings were not as advanced as newer models, they provided essential features and a satisfying user experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked knee and rear side airbags. However, it offered standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash scenarios. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance, enhancing its safety credentials.