2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, equipped with a third-row seat and more cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. It featured Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements, making it instantly recognizable. The test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, and several premium packages, had a window sticker price of $64,770. The Summit’s quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology represented a substantial improvement over the old model.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. This drivetrain provided smooth, effortless power and included variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. The Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg during testing. However, it lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, and the Odyssey's ride and handling qualities contributed to a pleasurable driving experience. The brakes, however, did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during a heatwave test.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine making 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, though it averaged just 17.8 mpg during testing. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD, produced 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L offered various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, and the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The SUV's stiffer structure and Quadra-Lift suspension contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain’s chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, and the third-row seats were comfortable for all but the tallest adults. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 46.9 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. However, the front-seat storage space was limited.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also offered a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system provided excellent sound quality. 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 head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received a four-star score. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was expected to award the Odyssey a Top Safety Pick recommendation.

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. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee’s ratings.