2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with opinions softening over time. While the short grille and swept-back headlights initially divided opinions, familiarity improved its perceived proportions. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels. The entry-level Latitude, with its 17-inch wheels and FWD, resembled a typical rental car, while the 80th Anniversary Edition, featuring 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding, offered a more refined look. The Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof added a distinctive touch, making it stand out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique sound and subtle design differences. Aside from a "4xe" badge and blue accents, it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with the power port being the main visual distinction. The Wrangler 4xe's silent operation, thanks to its electric mode, turned heads as it navigated Yosemite National Park. Our Firecracker Red Rubicon test vehicle, equipped with over $13,000 in options, showcased the Wrangler's rugged charm. Inside, it retained the classic Wrangler feel, with blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The interior combined simplicity with improved materials, offering a practical yet purposeful design.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, slightly outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with the V-6 achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, praised for its fuel efficiency. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Notably, the Cherokee was available in FWD, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery, offering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It provided an estimated 21 miles of electric range and 49 MPGe combined. In hybrid mode, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. During testing, it accelerated to 60 mph in six seconds. The Wrangler 4xe's regenerative braking and hybrid capabilities enhanced its efficiency, making it a versatile choice for both city and off-road adventures.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, competed with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V. However, it lagged in utility, offering 26 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 55 cubic feet with seats folded. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet. The interior was straightforward, with trim levels influencing material quality. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale options like suede and Nappa leather.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter due to high door sills, but once inside, it provided a classic Wrangler driving position with excellent visibility. The interior offered limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with amenities like USB ports and MOLLE-style storage. Cargo access was challenging due to the swing-out tailgate and spare tire, but the Wrangler's charm lay in its unique design. It offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured an intuitive Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface and responsive controls. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience in various climates.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's Uconnect system included an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, it showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also featured helpful charging indicators and trip summary data, providing valuable information for PHEV users.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. It offered standard safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. However, adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced safety features through optional packages, including blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. Its LED headlights received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS, and the Wrangler had mixed crash-test results, with concerns about rollover resistance.