2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

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, the Cherokee's proportions improved over the years. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch wheels and painted cladding. Jeep's design prowess extended to the roof, offering an optional panoramic sunroof that enhanced its distinctiveness. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded SUV market, resembling the larger Grand Cherokee from the front.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid maintained a sharp, streamlined profile that was both familiar and distinct. Despite its aggressive F Sport styling, the NX's design hadn't changed much over the years. Underneath, it shared a platform with the older Toyota RAV4, lagging behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger grille, dark-finish wheels, and a striking Grecian Water paint. While the exterior was bold, the interior design felt dated, with plastic switchgear and a lack of luxury materials. The NX's design choices, including a high dashboard and limited rear visibility, aimed for a sporty feel but might not appeal to traditional SUV buyers.

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. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 seconds for the V6 and 7.4 seconds for the turbo-four. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, praised for its fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of front-wheel drive aimed to keep prices competitive.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 194 horsepower. Standard all-wheel drive provided traction, but performance was lackluster, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The hybrid focused on fuel efficiency rather than excitement, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The Black Line package's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but steering remained numb. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further dulling acceleration. Overall, the NX Hybrid prioritized comfort over sportiness.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a niche between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee. It offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, falling short compared to rivals. 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 Lexus NX Hybrid struggled with interior space, offering limited front and rear headroom and the worst rear legroom in its class. The Black Line seats provided good support, and front seats had 10-way power adjustment. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility. Cargo space was limited to 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet folded. While power-folding seats and a liftgate were available, they weren't standard.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with a 4G WiFi hotspot. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience. The system's consistency across Stellantis brands was a plus for buyers.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported smartphone integration, the interface felt dated. Analog controls were available for climate and audio, but the graphics and menus were outdated. The base audio system lacked quality, making the Mark Levinson upgrade appealing.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the 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.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The comprehensive safety suite made it a strong contender in its class.