2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the design updates introduced in the previous year, featuring a two-motor hybrid powertrain, updated styling, and improved interior storage. It came with standard Honda Sensing safety technology and optional wireless smartphone charging. The exterior closely resembled the standard gas-only CR-V, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, and a unique rear bumper. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid offered distinct trim and instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution. The model was available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard all-wheel drive, and pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, which was tested, included features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate, with a total cost of $37,920.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee, and featured an extended-length design with a third-row seat. Its styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the upcoming Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L was available in multiple trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The test vehicle, in Summit trim, included four-wheel drive, metallic paint, and several technology packages, totaling $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the Summit trim offered quilted leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology, marking a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. The CR-V Hybrid also had three driver-selected modes: Econ, Sport, and EV. The added weight of the battery and motors improved weight distribution and maintained the standard CR-V's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Despite some droning under acceleration, the CR-V Hybrid delivered a pleasant driving experience, though it returned 33.7 mpg on the test route, below the EPA rating of 38 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available with certain trims, increased power to 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but falling short of fuel economy expectations at 17.8 mpg. The Grand Cherokee L featured various driving modes, including Sport and off-road settings, and offered up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Its Quadra-Lift air suspension and variable-ratio steering contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in passenger and cargo space. The front seats offered hours of comfort with 12-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seat provided ample legroom, similar to the Honda Accord, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was impressive, despite the wireless smartphone charger occupying space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 68.7 cubic feet, slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized comfort, especially in the Summit trim, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a four-zone climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were small, affecting cooling efficiency. The second row featured captain's chairs with ample legroom, and the third row was comfortable for most adults. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage for front-seat occupants but offered a storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, last redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its modern appearance. It featured a seven-inch touchscreen, lacking a tuning knob, and slow startup times. Voice recognition was limited, but wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM satellite radio, though the navigation display was cluttered.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and improved user experience. The test vehicle had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system included a natural voice-recognition feature, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial. The system was expected to become hands-free in the 2022 model year. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist and a comprehensive package of driving assistance technologies. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.