2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula by focusing on incremental improvements, particularly in utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, though seemingly unchanged, featured 90% new parts, while higher trims offered a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine. Exterior changes were subtle, with more noticeable updates in the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and innovative DriverFocus technology, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at $30,695, with features like heated seats, keyless entry, and a suite of safety technologies.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its timeless design, continued to impress with a blend of rugged utility and 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 Grand Cherokee offered a variety of options, including a 3.6-litre V6 engine and an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with prices ranging from $45,000 to over $105,000. The Summit trim, priced at $89,145, featured a plush interior with premium materials and a sophisticated design. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and component fits, indicating a need for a redesign.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase from the previous year, and a fuel consumption rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, while the Outback’s 22.1 cm ground clearance allowed for moderate off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,818 kg. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offered 360 hp, 390 lb-ft of torque, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology, but fuel efficiency remained low at 14.1 L/100 km. 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 enhanced daily driving.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. Its design prioritized visibility and interior space, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Outback’s low load height and lower centre of gravity improved handling and safety, while its ground clearance allowed for moderate off-road adventures. However, rear-quarter visibility remained a challenge, necessitating blind-spot monitoring for added safety.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seat provided comfort despite limited legroom. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,934 litres with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, but the optional rear-seat entertainment system reduced console space. The power liftgate and practical storage solutions enhanced convenience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback’s 11.6-inch touchscreen was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s camera resolution was subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the touchscreen’s layout was generally user-friendly, and Subaru’s commitment to technology was evident.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times and intuitive controls. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The voice recognition technology worked well, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. However, the Grand Cherokee’s technology offerings were limited compared to newer models.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a comprehensive safety suite, including AWD and EyeSight technology. However, the optical system had limitations, and the DriverFocus feature was unreliable, often issuing false alerts. Despite these issues, Subaru’s commitment to safety was evident in its design and engineering.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but lower ratings from the IIHS. The Grand Cherokee’s ProTech II Package included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and other advanced safety features. However, its headlights and small-overlap crash performance were subpar, highlighting areas for improvement.