2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting to the growing demand for crossovers. By infusing the Impreza hatchback with rugged aesthetics, all-wheel drive, and a higher driving position, Subaru successfully transformed it into a more SUV-like vehicle. The Crosstrek stood out with its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance of 22 centimetres, which was impressive for a vehicle of its class. The vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal, while the Subaru Global Platform ensured a refined driving experience. Inside, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's functional yet plain interior, with some unique touches like water-repellant upholstery and simulated carbon-fibre trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless design, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its flared fenders and big wheels gave it a commanding presence, while the model lineup offered a range of options from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit. The Grand Cherokee Summit, in particular, featured premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a luxurious cabin environment. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's exterior styling remained a benchmark for what an SUV should look like.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, available on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The boxer engine's low profile contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. While a six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, most buyers opted for the CVT, which was standard on the Sport and Limited trims. The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode with hill descent control provided some off-road capability, although it was primarily suited for on-road driving. The new 2.5-litre engine offered improved performance, but the CVT's droning remained noticeable.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine produced 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology improved fuel efficiency, but it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Selec-Terrain traction management, and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capability. On-road, the Grand Cherokee was speedy and responsive, though the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness were drawbacks.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered competitive passenger space, with the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback. It provided 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded. While it offered more cargo space than some competitors, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The Crosstrek's interior featured a handy cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, but rear-seat passengers had limited access to charging options. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but not as elevated as traditional SUVs, though visibility was good.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, offering eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat provided comfort, though legroom was somewhat snug for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia, but large windows and a panoramic sunroof helped alleviate it. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 1,934 litres when the seats were folded. Practical storage solutions included grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate, though the rear-seat entertainment system limited centre console storage.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with navigation available on the Limited trim. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. SiriusXM services provided satellite radio and subscription-based features. The voice recognition technology worked well, allowing control of various functions. The Grand Cherokee Summit featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," it offered essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, were standard on CVT-equipped models. The optional blind-spot monitoring system was effective, though EyeSight's cameras had limitations in certain conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its IIHS ratings were less favourable, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Grand Cherokee Summit included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system and backup camera added convenience, though the Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were a concern.