2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design and premium appearance. It was shorter and closer to the ground than the Toyota RAV4, yet shared the same wheelbase. The Venza's design was reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, with its elongated profile and sophisticated grille, setting it apart from other Toyota SUVs. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a range of paint colours and a comprehensive list of standard features, including LED lighting, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety technologies.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its design, characterized by flared fenders and a balanced stance, contributed to its enduring success. The Grand Cherokee lineup was diverse, ranging from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit, and even high-performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium leather, genuine wood, and a powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, enhancing its luxury SUV credentials. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and component fits.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza offered smooth acceleration and confident handling, typical of Toyota vehicles. Its standout feature was its exceptional fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, making it a leader in its segment. The Venza's hybrid powertrain was backed by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty, providing peace of mind to buyers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 delivering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V8 engine, paired with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, provided impressive towing capacity and off-road capabilities. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management system enhanced its off-road prowess, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it suitable for both urban and adventurous driving.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin featured a unique design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console with various controls and a wireless charging pad. The seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, offering more headroom than the RAV4. Despite having less cargo space than some competitors, the Venza's 816 litres of cargo capacity was sufficient for daily use, with easy-to-use quick-flip releases for the rear seats.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit boasted a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seats provided comfort despite limited legroom. The cargo area offered 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 1,934 litres with the rear seats folded. Practical features like grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate added convenience, though the interior storage could have been more generous.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the XLE and Limited trims. While the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its usability was hindered by complex menu navigation. The Venza also offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system and various connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided a user-friendly experience with fast response times and clear graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee's voice recognition technology performed well, and its advanced driving assistance systems added to its tech offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while offering numerous safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, had mixed safety ratings. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but performed poorly in IIHS small-overlap crash tests. The Summit trim included the ProTech II Package, enhancing its safety credentials with features like lane-keeping assistance and parking sensors.