2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner showcased a timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs. Its near-vertical front fascia and flared wheel wells contributed to its utilitarian attitude, reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The 4Runner's lineup in Canada was based on the SR5 trim with five packages, including the Limited package, which aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite these features, the 4Runner retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its appeal with a design that balanced rugged utility and upscale sophistication. Its big wheels and flared fenders contributed to its timeless look. The Grand Cherokee defied easy categorization, offering a range of trims from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit, and performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. Our test vehicle, the Summit trim, featured a 5.7-litre V8 engine, four-wheel drive, and premium interior finishes. Despite its aging interior, the Grand Cherokee's design remained a significant factor in its continued success.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms and was known for its off-road capabilities. However, its fuel efficiency was poor, with consumption rates of 14.8 L/100 km in the city and 12.5 on the highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road with features like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select, but on-road performance was less refined, with significant body roll and vague steering.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It offered an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency, though it still consumed 14.1 L/100 km combined. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road prowess, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it versatile for daily driving.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. Inside, it featured large, easy-to-use controls and a high seating position. The optional third row was cramped, with narrow jump seats suitable for short use. The 4Runner's interior was practical but lacked the spaciousness and comfort of some competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit provided a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a heated steering wheel. Front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seat was comfortable but had 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, though the rear-seat entertainment system reduced console space.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system was a welcome update, it lagged behind competitors in features and usability. The navigation system was less efficient than smartphone apps, and the overall tech package was basic compared to market leaders.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a user-friendly experience with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While tech features were solid, the Grand Cherokee was considered "tech lite" compared to upcoming models.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. It received four out of five stars from NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most tests, except for a "Marginal" in the small overlap front test.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for 4WD models but had a "Marginal" and "Poor" rating from IIHS in small-overlap tests. The Summit trim included comprehensive safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and parking assistance systems, enhancing its safety profile.