2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of the third generation introduced in 2011, had received updates in 2018 to include newer infotainment technology and styling tweaks. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its overall aged appearance. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the simplistic instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, highlighted its age. However, this simplicity also made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including the base CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features like alloy wheels, keyless entry, and climate control. The SE trim stood out with its power liftgate, while the XLE Limited added premium touches like leather seats and a JBL audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a fourth-generation model, maintained its timeless and rugged design, appealing to both utility and sophistication. Its lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, and even high-performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed to its success, offering a blend of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV characteristics. The Summit trim, equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine and four-wheel drive, featured premium leather, wood, and aluminum interior accents. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits, indicating a need for a redesign.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration, with a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response. The Sienna's powertrain primarily drove the front wheels, but all-wheel drive (AWD) was available on most trims, providing an advantage in inclement weather. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Sienna achieved fuel efficiency of 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned slightly higher figures. The Sienna's low centre of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, although its steering response could feel twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 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, equipped with cylinder deactivation technology, provided a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in various driving conditions. However, the V8's fuel efficiency was less impressive, and the ride could feel bouncy on uneven surfaces.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The Sienna's third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for families with specific needs.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 1,934 litres when the second-row seats were folded. However, interior storage was limited, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system further reduced space.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL premium audio system. The Sienna also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, aiding communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system provided a nearly flawless user experience, with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it lacked some advanced digital capabilities, which would be addressed in the upcoming 2022 model.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS in various crash tests, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but 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 profile.