2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had a design that grew on you over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. The dished hood improved forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate obstacles. The fenders bulged slightly, indicating the vehicle's width and allowing for wheel travel. The Heritage Edition added blackened trim, a retro grille, and bronze wheels, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, it offered luxury with black perforated leather seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling evolved over time, becoming more appealing since its debut. While the short grille and swept-back headlights were initially divisive, they eventually contributed to a well-proportioned look. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude to the upscale 80th Anniversary Edition. Its optional panoramic sunroof and resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee helped it stand out in a crowded crossover market.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its capability, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, achieving 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Its off-road prowess was supported by a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control. With an approach angle of 32 degrees and a fording depth of 27.55 inches, it was built for challenging terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience with controlled body roll.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts. While not the fastest, the Cherokee's Trailhawk model excelled off-road with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Available in FWD, it catered to budget-conscious buyers, though its off-road capabilities shone in 4WD configurations.

The Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design included skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack, making it suitable for both city and country. The standard model offered three rows of seating, while the Heritage Edition had two. Interior features included four-zone climate control, a cooling box, and a split tailgate for easy loading. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers.

The Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. It had 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, competitive in its class. The interior varied by trim, from basic in the Latitude to upscale in the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux. The cabin was simple and functional, focusing on practicality rather than luxury.

The Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included a Qi-compatible charging station and a Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system. While the tech was functional, it felt dated compared to competitors with larger screens and more connectivity options.

The Cherokee boasted the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration were also available. The system's consistency across Stellantis brands was a plus for buyers familiar with it.

The Land Cruiser, untested by NHTSA and IIHS, relied on its robust structure and Toyota Safety Sense P suite for safety. It included 10 airbags, stability control, and Trailer Sway Control. Safety Connect offered emergency assistance and collision notification.

The Cherokee received "Good" crashworthiness scores from IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.