2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a variety of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and popular LT featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille and a blacked-out look with 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined off-road enhancements with a unique grille and 20-inch all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims added chrome accents and polished wheels, with the latter featuring a chrome bar grille and body-color mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille and expressive taillights, with larger wheels enhancing its appearance. Prices ranged from $49,000 for the LS to $72,600 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $76,225.

The Tahoe's interior focused on a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, though the layout compromised ease of use. Leather seating was standard from the LT trim, with higher trims offering perforated and textured leather options. The Z71 trim's cabin featured exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces, with hard plastic on the lower half. The Tahoe accommodated up to eight people, with improved storage capacity but no front bench seat option.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling evolved over time, with its short grille and swept-back headlights becoming more accepted. Trim levels influenced its appearance, with the entry-level Latitude featuring 17-inch wheels and the 80th Anniversary Edition offering 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. The Cherokee's exterior stood out in a crowded SUV market, resembling the larger Grand Cherokee from the front. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident, with the Cherokee offering an optional panoramic sunroof. The Cherokee's design ensured it was easily recognizable in parking lots.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. Most trims featured a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country had a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, available for most trims, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, promising improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds. The Z71 trim included standard 4WD and off-road enhancements. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, adaptive damping, and air suspension upgrades. The 5.3-liter V8 and 10-speed transmission provided ample power and a satisfying V8 rumble, achieving 16.4 mpg in testing.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engines. The Latitude and Latitude Plus had a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower. A 3.2-liter V6 increased output to 271 horsepower, while the top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration was modest, with the V6 achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, praised for its fuel-saving capabilities. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled off-road, with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD, appealing to budget-conscious buyers and rental fleets.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console offered secure storage and convenience. Second-row options included a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and entertainment displays. Third-row access was easy, and the seats accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, lagging behind competitors. Passenger volume was 102 cubic feet, competitive within its class. The interior was simple and businesslike, with trim levels affecting material quality. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale options like suede inserts and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power and cybersecurity. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose audio systems were optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system but lacked a head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, praised for their user-friendly interfaces. The system supported wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, offering a reliable experience for Cherokee buyers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. Crash test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. The 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 available on higher trims. The Cherokee's headlights received mixed ratings, affecting its overall safety score.