2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that defined the quintessential SUV look. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its enduring success, offering a blend of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV characteristics. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, boasted a luxurious interior with premium materials, though its aging design elements hinted at the need for a refresh.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased a distinctive design as an electric vehicle (EV), departing from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, emphasizing its EV-specific MEB platform. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, though some elements, like the piano black and matte plastic, felt reminiscent of older technology. Despite its unique design, the ID.4's SUV-like appearance was less pronounced compared to other EV crossovers, raising questions about its appeal to traditional SUV buyers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided ample power for most needs, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though real-world consumption remained high. 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 versatile for daily driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations: a base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with dual motors generating 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. Its electric motor provided instant torque for quick acceleration, though regenerative braking was less aggressive than in other EVs, favouring a more traditional driving experience. The ID.4's performance was well-suited for everyday driving, though it lacked the sporty edge of some competitors.

Inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, occupants found a luxurious cabin with quilted leather seats and leather-wrapped interior panels. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, potentially causing distractions. Rear-seat comfort was adequate, though legroom was snug for taller passengers. The Grand Cherokee provided 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,934 litres with the seats folded. However, interior storage was limited, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system further reduced space.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a spacious interior with more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though legroom was average. Its cargo capacity measured 858 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,818 litres with the seats folded. While lacking a "frunk," the ID.4 prioritized cabin space, resulting in a roomy feel from the driver's seat. Visibility was generally good, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick pillars. The ID.4's interior design featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow centre console, providing ample phone storage but limited space for larger items.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times and clear graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, allowing control of various features. The Summit trim boasted a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it lacked the advanced digital capabilities of newer models.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, though its practical use was limited. Despite some gimmicky elements, the ID.4's infotainment system was well-designed, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The ProTech II Package on the Summit trim included additional safety technologies, enhancing its safety profile.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist added to its safety credentials, providing automated lane centring and driver incapacitation detection. The ID.4's safety features were well-executed, offering a high level of protection for occupants.