2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design that continued to impress over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that contributed to its balanced aesthetic. The Grand Cherokee's design was a significant factor in its enduring success, as it defied easy categorization by being a mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV all at once. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models also available. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with premium materials, though it showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and component fits.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator presented a distinct elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. It shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition but stood out with its unique styling and luxurious feel. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, chrome accents, and a light show upon unlocking or locking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to finer details, such as layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled adjustability. While the Navigator's ride wasn't as supple as some competitors, its overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those seeking luxury and performance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine powered either the rear or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. 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 practical for daily driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator offered a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. Despite its size, the Navigator felt sprightly and delivered a satisfying driving experience with its powerful engine and quiet cabin. However, its fuel efficiency was on par with larger V8 engines, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, it lacked the superior control and handling of some competitors. Nevertheless, its overall refinement and power made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a comfortable interior with supportive seats and a heated steering wheel. The Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package added a touch of luxury, though it wasn't essential. Both front seats featured eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with controls integrated into the Uconnect infotainment system. The rear seat provided comfort, though legroom was somewhat limited for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee's cargo space measured 1,028 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,934 litres with the second-row seats folded. While interior storage was adequate, the optional rear-seat entertainment system took up valuable space.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. The boxy design contributed to its generous cargo space, offering 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, though parking could be challenging due to its size. The Navigator's 360-degree cameras helped, but their resolution was lacking.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it was considered "tech lite" compared to more modern vehicles.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer models, lacking wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. Despite these shortcomings, the Navigator's software was intuitive, with fast and accurate voice recognition. It offered wireless device charging and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options, while drive mode animations added a touch of flair.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its performance in IIHS testing was less impressive. It earned "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The ProTech II Package added advanced driving assistance systems, enhancing safety.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional protection for second-row passengers.