2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years. The GX received Lexus' signature spindle grille in 2014, which was further updated in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn't see any major styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX's tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior felt dated, with wood trim that resembled molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, but the overall interior quality lagged behind modern luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fresh addition to the lineup, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. Instantly recognizable as a Jeep with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, the Grand Cherokee L looked terrific across all trim levels. Offered in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, in particular, featured quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and a host of technology, making it a substantial improvement over the old model.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460's performance was a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs. The V8 engine provided ample power for initial acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, the GX's 5,130-pound weight became apparent at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. Stopping the vehicle also demanded more foresight, and the ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, meaning it wasn't very smooth. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, a low-range 4WD system, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added even more features for tackling rough terrain. The GX 460 had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered more variety in its powertrain options. The standard engine was a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L's V6 engine offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved but sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride and capable handling, with multiple off-road modes and impressive ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee L was also adept at daily driving, with a smooth ride and secure on-center steering feel.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics revealed its age. The upright dashboard and high center console left little legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, made it feel like driving a bus. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage bins, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating for seven, but accessing the third row was challenging, and it was best reserved for children. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and virtually no space with the third row up.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in comfort and practicality. The Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view. Practical storage space was somewhat lacking for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console. Cargo space was generous, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, reflecting its decade-old design. Standard features included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were notably absent. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, with a separate display for time and temperature using a seven-segment format. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to touchscreen-centric interfaces.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured Jeep's latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The larger screen in the test vehicle provided a seamless interface, with highlights including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services like a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also featured a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though the logo felt out of place. Additional tech features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced several advanced safety features. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance, allowing for a more relaxed driving experience on long highway trips. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, could detect threats from either side at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, which steered the vehicle into parking spaces. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new Grand Cherokee L was expected to improve upon the old model's safety performance.