2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with the rest of Volvo's lineup through features like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its design changes were subtle, making it appealing for those who preferred a low-key electric vehicle. The interior was minimalist yet premium, featuring real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its flared fenders and big wheels contributed to its balanced SUV appearance. The Grand Cherokee's versatility was evident in its range, from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit, and the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a plush interior with premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, although the aging design was apparent with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's cabin exuded luxury, with features like quilted seat bolsters and a wood-and-leather steering wheel.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It boasted a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. It also offered a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 2,818 kilograms. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with a Quadra-Trac II 4WD system provided 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology, though fuel efficiency remained a concern. The Grand Cherokee excelled off-road with its Quadra-Trac II system, Selec-Terrain traction management, and Quadra-Lift air suspension. It offered a smooth highway ride but could feel bouncy on uneven surfaces. The Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius and effective brakes added to its daily driving appeal.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it lagged behind competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E in terms of legroom and headroom. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins, partially compensated for the limited space. The XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a focus on practicality and convenience, though rear passengers lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and leather-wrapped panels. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, potentially causing distraction. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. Cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres behind the rear seat and 1,934 litres with the seats folded. Practical features like grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate added to its functionality.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, though it lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for operation.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided 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. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it was considered "tech lite" compared to upcoming models.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were less impressive, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but lower ratings from the IIHS in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Summit trim included a range of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance systems, though its safety performance was a concern.