2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, presented a fresh design opportunity without the constraints of a long-standing legacy. It successfully integrated the brand's signature styling cues, such as the distinctive grille and "Quad Lamp" LED headlights, while maintaining an elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and large wheel arches, which housed 19 to 22-inch wheels. The interior was a testament to luxury, featuring a sleek dashboard, real wood and leather finishes, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and uncluttered environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee had a more established design, which had evolved over seven years. Its styling varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch wheels. The Cherokee's exterior was distinctive, with a short grille and swept-back headlights, and it offered a panoramic sunroof option. Inside, the Cherokee's design was straightforward and functional, with variations in material quality depending on the trim, ranging from basic plastic in the Latitude to upscale leather in the Latitude Lux.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower. The GV80's performance was enhanced by an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. The V6 model featured advanced suspension technology for a smoother ride and active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee provided three engine choices: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower. Despite the power options, the Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Cherokee Trailhawk trim excelled off-road, equipped with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control, enhancing its trail capabilities.

The Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, featuring a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a character-recognition pad. The second row offered ample space and luxury features like power seats and window shades. A third row was available on select models, increasing capacity to seven passengers. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with advanced climate control and power rear-door closure.

The Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 55 cubic feet when folded. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet. The interior design was simple and functional, with material quality varying by trim. Higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux featured more upscale materials, such as suede and Nappa leather, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The Genesis GV80 featured a cutting-edge infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected services, a digital key function for Android users, and a comprehensive suite of Genesis Connected Services. Advanced features included a head-up display and a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, providing a rich technological experience.

The Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface, available in 7-inch and 8.4-inch screen sizes. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offered a 4G WiFi hotspot, and integrated with Amazon Alexa. Remote start was available, adding convenience for various climates. The system's consistency across Stellantis brands was a notable advantage for users familiar with it.

The Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and advanced collision avoidance systems. Although it had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in most IIHS crashworthiness categories but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.