2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal with a design that balanced rugged utility and upscale sophistication. Its big wheels, flared fenders, and premium touches made it a standout in the SUV market. The Grand Cherokee's versatility was evident in its range of trims, from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit, and the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a plush interior with premium materials, though some elements felt dated.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a sharp, streamlined design that was both familiar and distinct. Its aggressive styling, highlighted by the F Sport Black Line package, gave it a sporty appearance. Inside, the NX Hybrid's design was functional, with a high dashboard and door sides, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury. The interior space was somewhat cramped, especially in the rear, and the cargo capacity was limited compared to competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower, providing ample power for most needs. For those seeking more, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology helped with fuel efficiency, though it still averaged 17 mpg. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, on the other hand, focused on fuel efficiency with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, producing a combined 194 horsepower. The NX Hybrid's performance was more about economy than excitement, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with aggressive driving. The NX Hybrid offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, though they made little difference in performance.

Inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, passengers enjoyed supportive seats with premium leather and wood accents. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system. Rear legroom was snug, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the cramped feel. Cargo space was 36.3 cubic feet, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the interior feel cramped. The front seats were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment, and heated and ventilated options were available. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, but the dashboard controls were easily accessible. Cargo space was limited to 16.8 cubic feet with the seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav system, offering a user-friendly experience with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The voice recognition technology worked well, and the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. While tech features were somewhat basic, they were effective and easy to use.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Despite compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for 4WD models but lower scores from IIHS in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, enhancing its safety profile.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a robust array of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. The NX Hybrid's safety features were impressive for its class, though a 360-degree camera system was notably absent.