2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2020 GMC Acadia

In the comparison between the 2020 GMC Acadia and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, both vehicles stood out for their distinctive design philosophies and targeted audience aspirations.

In 2020, the GMC Acadia positioned itself as a more refined choice within the General Motors lineup, representing a step up from Chevrolet but not quite reaching the luxury levels of Cadillac. Sharing its platform with both the Chevrolet Traverse and Cadillac XT5, the Acadia aimed to deliver a mix of premium feel and practicality. The Denali trim, which was the focus of this review, showcased GMC's intent to offer an upscale experience with features such as the bright Satin Steel Metallic paint and the optional Technology Package.

For 2020, the Acadia underwent a noticeable refresh, especially at the front, where the squared-off headlights and a boxier grille added a robust and upscale aesthetic. These design changes were intended to signify the SUV's "professional grade" identity, especially prominent in the Denali trim known for its upscale touches.

Inside, the Acadia remained familiar yet subtly improved. Changes included new electronic transmission shift switches, a redesigned center console, and genuine open-pore wood trim in the Denali. While the cabin boasted a mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics, it wasn't entirely successful in delivering a uniformly premium feel. The Denali trim added leather upholstery, wood accents, contrast stitching, and bronze-tinted metallic accents, but some of these efforts fell short of achieving a truly luxury ambiance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L marked a significant addition to Jeep's lineup, introducing a three-row, seven-passenger variant distinct from the smaller, two-row Grand Cherokee version set for a redesign in 2022. This model leveraged the extended platform of the upcoming Grand Cherokee redesign and successfully incorporated a third-row seat, making it a compelling choice for families needing extra space.

The Grand Cherokee L's styling drew immediate attention, closely resembling the forthcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, making it a more accessible yet similarly prestigious option within the Jeep family. Signature Jeep elements such as the seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and well-proportioned design ensured that the Grand Cherokee L maintained a strong visual identity.

Offered in multiple trims including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L ranged in price from $36,995 to $64,235, aligning its top trims with premium expectations. The Summit trim tested featured a mix of high-end materials like quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology, resulting in a significantly upgraded interior compared to older models. However, some materials and fittings struggled to justify the luxurious price tag fully.

The 2020 GMC Acadia provided a trio of engine options catering to different needs and budgets. The base models featured a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offering adequate performance for everyday driving. Moving up to the SLT trim introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, delivering more spirited performance and better fuel efficiency.

However, it was the Acadia AT4 and Denali trims that packed the most punch with a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. This powerplant, paired with a refined nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and effortless power, with a capability to tow up to 4,000 pounds. An all-wheel-drive system was optional, except on the off-road-focused AT4 trim, which came standard with a dual-clutch AWD system, ensuring better traction on rugged terrains.

Fuel economy for the Denali AWD was reasonably efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. However, real-world performance averaged closer to 20.1 mpg, revealing a slight disparity. The Acadia's overall driving character was competent but unremarkable, delivering a seamless experience without being overly memorable.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L started with a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine that produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This setup, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed for solid performance and a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with three different 4WD systems available, all featuring fuel-saving front-axle disconnect technology. This drivetrain setup achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving.

For those craving more power, a 5.7-liter V8 engine was available on higher trims, including the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. This engine delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, boosting the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. However, the V8's fuel economy dropped to a combined 17 mpg, adding a significant premium to the overall cost.

In real-world testing, the V6 engine provided brisk acceleration but was notably loud when pushed hard. The eight-speed transmission performed reliably, although it occasionally hesitated to downshift in Auto mode, likely an attempt to optimize fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L also featured several driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, enhancing its terrain-handling capabilities.

The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension system, standard on higher trims, offered impressive ground clearance, peaking at 10.9 inches in Off-Road settings. Coupled with multiple off-road modes, the Grand Cherokee L delivered agile and controlled handling, adept at navigating challenging terrains. From urban streets to rocky trails, the Grand Cherokee L impressed with its versatile and robust performance.

Seating configurations for the 2020 GMC Acadia ranged from five to seven passengers, depending on the trim and options selected. The Denali trim provided seating for six, thanks to standard second-row captain's chairs, with an option for a bench seat available at no extra cost. Front-row passengers benefitted from wide, supportive seats with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, ensuring comfort on long journeys.

Second-row captain's chairs mirrored the comfort of the front seats, with additional amenities such as air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. While the Acadia's interior space was slightly reduced compared to earlier models, the third-row seat still offered more room than expected, contingent on the flexibility of second-row seating adjustments. Notably, storage space for 2020 improved due to new electronic transmission controls and a reconfigured center console.

Cargo volume was a critical point for the Acadia, with 12.1 cubic feet available behind the third-row seat, enough for a few groceries or small bags. Folding the third-row seat increased cargo capacity to 41.7 cubic feet, ideal for family trips. Additionally, folding down the second-row seats offered a maximum of 79 cubic feet, a competitive figure within the midsize SUV segment.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in providing a comfortable and versatile interior. The Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustments, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the cooling efficiency was somewhat compromised by the small dashboard vents, making it harder to cool the cabin under intense heat.

Standard second-row captain's chairs offered generous legroom and comfort, with an available bench seat configuration. Summit trim added manual side window sunshades, enhancing passenger comfort. The sliding and tilting feature of the captain's chairs allowed easy access to the third row, which was adequately comfortable for all but the tallest adults.

Although storage space up front was somewhat lacking, the Grand Cherokee L made up for it with ample second and third-row storage solutions. Opening the liftgate revealed 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a useful storage bin beneath the load floor. Folding the third-row seats expanded the cargo area to 46.9 cubic feet, and with both second and third rows folded, the Jeep offered a substantial 84.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, surpassing the Acadia.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came well-equipped with desirable infotainment features, ensuring connectivity and convenience. Standard amenities included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Vehicles equipped with the 8-inch touchscreen boasted higher resolution displays, simplified user experiences, and improved voice recognition.

The test vehicle included navigation and a Bose premium sound system, effectively managing most commands despite occasional hiccups. The infotainment system was intuitive, easily navigable without requiring a manual, making it user-friendly for anyone familiar with smartphones.

For 2020, additional tech upgrades included new USB-C connection ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror providing an unobstructed wide-angle view. These features contributed to a well-rounded and modern technological package.

Jeep introduced its latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system with the 2021 Grand Cherokee L, featuring significantly faster response times and an enhanced user experience. Buyers could choose between 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch touchscreens, the latter being part of the test vehicle, seamlessly integrating into the dashboard.

Highlights of the Uconnect 5 system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system performed well but occasionally returned unexpected suggestions, as seen when a request for the nearest hospital listed a marijuana dispensary.

The test vehicle showcased the optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivering excellent sound quality, particularly for bass-heavy music. However, the McIntosh logo felt out of place within the cabin's overall design. Additional features like a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, thermal-imaging night vision system, and Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system rounded out the Jeep's advanced tech offerings.

Safety features in the 2020 GMC Acadia highlighted essential protection elements, but the SUV lagged behind competitors in terms of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and GMC Connected Services with a limited free trial period.

The base Acadia included a blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning as standard, both vital technologies for enhancing driver awareness. However, advanced safety features like forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available in higher trims such as SLT or AT4 and required extra cost upgrades like the Driver Alert Package. The Denali trim included these features alongside an enhanced automatic emergency braking system for high-speed scenarios.

In crash-test ratings, the Acadia received 5-star ratings in most categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provided incomplete data, omitting tests for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact for the front passenger.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced cutting-edge safety features, including Active Driving Assist, which blended adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the system sometimes felt artificial in steering, and lane changes could be abrupt. Jeep planned to upgrade this to a hands-free system in 2022.

Intersection Collision Assist was another notable safety addition, standard on Summit trims, capable of detecting cross-traffic threats and initiating automatic braking to prevent collisions. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, assisting drivers in parking scenarios.

While crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, the Grand Cherokee L was expected to perform better than its predecessor due to its modernized structure and engineering.