2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like styling. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned quality, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, providing ample storage and convenience features, while the second and third-row seats offered flexibility and comfort for passengers.

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 balanced and appealing look. The Grand Cherokee's model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and high-performance SRT and Trackhawk editions. The Summit trim featured premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a luxurious cabin feel. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's design remained a significant factor in its continued success.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive option, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and its fuel efficiency was a standout feature, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It offered an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved 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 suitable for both city and off-road driving.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row offered 63.5 centimetres of sliding capability, enhancing legroom and access to the third row. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,860 litres with the first row folded. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space, and its power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,934 litres with the second row folded. Practical storage solutions included grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate closing button.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. It offered a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, with Bluetooth and audio streaming across all trims. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's driver-focused tech included a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Grand Cherokee's tech offerings were complemented by its sophisticated 4WD systems and advanced driving assistance systems, though it remained relatively tech-lite compared to newer models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It featured the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring, with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA, though it scored four stars for front and rollover resistance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it received a five-star overall rating from 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, and lane-keeping assistance. Its ParkSense parking assistance system and backup camera added to its safety credentials, though its headlights received a "Poor" rating unless upgraded.