2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner
Posted on July 19, 2021
The Grand Cherokee from Jeep is a stalwart of the mid-size SUV market, bringing genuine off-road prowess into a segment often filled by pretenders. But there's much more to the model than hitting the trail. Does the latest 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee deserve to keep its place at the head of the competitive sport-oriented SUV market? To find out, we've put it up against one of its closest rivals, the Toyota 4Runner.
Performance at the Entry Level
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has an enticing range of powertrain options, with a selection of engines available with steadily increasing power outputs. At the entry level, the Jeep has a 3.6L V6 making 295 horsepower and 260lb-ft of torque, offering solid power without going crazy on fuel consumption.
In contrast, the 4Runner offers only a single engine option. It's an honourable contender with its 3.5L V6 making 270 horsepower, but it's considerably less powerful than the Jeep.
High-End Performance
But the Grand Cherokee has plenty more up its sleeve. Moving up a level or two brings a 5.7L V8 cranking out 360 hp, or a 6.4L V8 which pushes the ponies up to an impressive 475 hp. But even that's not the end of the story. The top-level Grand Cherokee Trackhawk boasts a supercharged 6.2L V8 making a mammoth 707 horsepower and 645lb-ft of torque for an incredible level of performance.
Completing the Powertrain
The Grand Cherokee also has an advantage when it comes to the rest of the powertrain. Both vehicles are available in a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, but the transmissions differ greatly. The Jeep's eight-speed automatic is smooth and responsive, while the Toyota offers only a five-speed automatic which gets the job done but feels more than a little behind the times.
Towing Capability
Towing may not be a vital feature for a domestic SUV, but for a trail-friendly one it's vital. The Grand Cherokee is a clear winner in this area with a maximum towing capacity of 3,266kg, almost half as much again as the Toyota's 2,268kg.
Passenger Space
At first glance, the 4Runner has an advantage with its standard third row allowing theoretical seating of up to seven, while the Grand Cherokee seats only five in its two rows. But that's not quite the full picture. As with most mid-size three-row SUVs, the Toyota's rearmost seats are cramped at best, and not particularly suitable for adult passengers.
But while the Grand Cherokee has one row less, it offers a similar amount of total cabin volume, meaning the five passengers have much more space in legroom, headroom, and shoulder room.
Infotainment and Technology
The Jeep offers a larger available infotainment screen with an 8.4" option, while the Toyota's is limited to 8". What's more, every Grand Cherokee boasts a 7" digital gauge cluster, an feature that's unavailable on the Toyota.
Discover the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Toronto
Ready for more? Book a test drive of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee from our Toronto dealership, and see for yourself why it's the mid-size off-road SUV that remains far ahead of its competition.