2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that balanced ruggedness with refinement, positioning itself between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the General Motors lineup. The redesigned Yukon came in standard and extended-length body styles, with trim levels including SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The AT4 was new for 2021, designed for off-road adventures with features like an improved approach angle, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. However, the Denali trim, known for its upscale features, was the most popular. The Denali Ultimate option package, priced at $83,720, added luxury touches like real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and a panoramic sunroof, making the Yukon Denali stand out with its sophisticated appearance and upscale cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with its short grille opening and swept-back headlights becoming more accepted over time. The Cherokee's exterior varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive (FWD) looked basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding appeared more refined. The Cherokee also offered an optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its appeal. Despite its compact size, the Cherokee stood out in a crowded market of crossover SUVs, resembling the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options. Most trims came with a standard 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine, while the Denali featured a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine was also available, except for the AT4 trim. The Denali's 6.2-liter V8 provided robust acceleration with 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop with 4WD and 16.2 mpg in 2WD mode. The Yukon Denali's ride quality was improved with an independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, but the 22-inch wheels and 275/50 tires made pavement irregularities noticeable. The Yukon Denali could tow up to 8,400 pounds with 2WD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, though these numbers were lower than the previous generation.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options depending on the trim level. The Latitude and Latitude Plus came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The 3.2-liter V6 engine, available on higher trims, increased output to 271 horsepower. The top-tier engine was the 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite these options, none of the engines provided outstanding acceleration, with the V6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All Cherokee models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had proven to be capable and fuel-efficient. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD, making it more affordable for rental fleets and budget-conscious buyers.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while heated and ventilated, lacked a massage function and could feel hard during long drives. The second-row seats slid and collapsed to fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room, and were heated in the Denali trim. The third-row seat provided actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet. The Denali XL offered even more space, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, fell short in utility compared to its competitors. With 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, it lagged behind the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Kia Sportage. The Cherokee offered about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels affecting the overall feel. The Latitude featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the Ultimate Package offered a comprehensive infotainment system. The standard 10.2-inch touchscreen included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included wireless device charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays. The rear-seat entertainment system, while advanced, had some connectivity issues. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points, enhancing maneuverability.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both screen sizes offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, though wired, not wireless. The Cherokee also provided a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface and quick response times. The Cherokee could be equipped with remote start, a convenient feature for various climates. Overall, the Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, offering a reliable and familiar experience for users.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Yukon also had Teen Driver parental report card technology, a rear-seat reminder system, and automatic crash response through an active OnStar subscription. Higher trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim included adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, making the driving experience more comfortable and secure. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category. The Cherokee's headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and lower trims rated "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, full-speed forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was available only on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.