2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its reputation for durability with a tougher look. The Trail trim, introduced the previous year, improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The 2020 model further advanced with the TRD Off-Road package, featuring matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, offering a versatile ride across various surfaces. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, while the interior boasted TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained 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 Summit trim, tested here, featured a 5.7-litre V8 engine, four-wheel drive, and premium interior materials like leather, wood, and aluminum. Despite its aging interior design, the Grand Cherokee's exterior remained a balanced work of automotive art, embodying the essence of a Jeep SUV.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a hybrid variant with 219 horsepower, but the TRD Off-Road package was exclusive to the gas model. The RAV4's eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally hesitated in gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance, making it adept at handling challenging trails. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road proved practical for urban use, with a 360-degree camera system and JBL premium sound system enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though it still consumed 12.9 L/100 km in mixed driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management provided excellent off-road capabilities. The Summit trim's Quadra-Lift air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. However, the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness on uneven surfaces were notable drawbacks.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy access with well-positioned seating and a sporty driving position. The Trail trim featured SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The RAV4 provided generous interior storage, with a dashboard shelf and a cargo capacity of 1,062 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,974 litres with the seats folded. Roof rails and a roof rack added to its utility.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive seats with eight-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, with a rear-seat entertainment system adding to the sense of confinement. Interior storage was adequate, though the entertainment system's DVD/Blu-Ray player occupied much of the centre console space. The Grand Cherokee provided 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,934 litres with the seats folded. Practical features included grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TRD Off-Road's infotainment system impressed with its voice-recognition technology and wireless smartphone charging. A 360-degree camera and digital rear-view mirror were available on higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee's voice recognition technology worked well, and its collection of advanced driving assistance systems provided essential safety features.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though headlight performance varied by model.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its IIHS ratings were less favourable, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. 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.