2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, was a stylish subcompact vehicle. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, triple front lights similar to the Hyundai Kona, and two-tone paint schemes reminiscent of the Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged look with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. Our test model, priced at $30,580, included Mosaic Black paint, a Summit White roof, and Jet Black leatherette seats with Arizona cabin accents. The interior design was excellent, with a well-thought-out control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a drawback at higher price points.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was based on the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. It featured a third-row seat and more cargo volume, making it a practical choice for families. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a hit, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. It was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, and several option packages, was priced at $64,770. The interior boasted quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology, representing a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Other versions, including the AWD models, came with a more powerful turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Activ AWD's powertrain was agreeable, with torque kicking in at a low 1,600 rpm and available up to 4,000 rpm. The 9-speed automatic provided smooth gear changes, and Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. The Trailblazer averaged 26.6 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. However, it exhibited quirks such as transmission hesitation in Normal mode and a firm but unfiltered ride, making it less suitable for aggressive driving or off-roading.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 engine offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic was well-behaved but sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 21 mpg. The optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the Jeep's off-road capabilities were impressive, with up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior featured leatherette seats, which tended to trap sweat, and an automatic climate control system that struggled to keep the cabin cool. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, but the rear seats were less inviting, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The lack of rear air conditioning vents added to the discomfort. However, the flat rear seat cushion translated into a flatter cargo floor when folded down, expanding cargo space from 25.3 cubic feet to 54.4 cubic feet. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo-toting length.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in Summit trim. It featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system with air vents in all three rows. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seats were surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 84.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Teen Driver technology, and Chevrolet Connected Access services with a WiFi hotspot. The upgraded system, available for Activ and RS trims, featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization functions. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C charging ports, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for power, volume, tuning, and navigation.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, which integrated well with the dashboard. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, although it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system delivered excellent sound quality, especially for bass enthusiasts. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. It also included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and a subscription-based automatic collision notification service. Optional safety features included a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, a high-definition reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. However, the forward collision warning system occasionally issued false alerts, and the adaptive cruise control was both over- and under-reactive. Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist were inconsistent.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While the system worked well, the steering assist felt artificial, and the Jeep was overly responsive to steering input when changing lanes. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats from either side at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, which steered the Jeep into parking spaces. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's performance.