2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic-looking hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the crooked chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin, enhancing the airy feel. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window opening slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, and the interior controls were user-friendly, though the gear shift lever's design was somewhat unconventional.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was based on the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. Its styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, was a strong selling point. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, with pricing ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, featured quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price point's expectations, the overall design and technology represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a single powertrain option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine produced 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. While the engine operated smoothly and quietly, the CVT's simulated shift points provided a more familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The QX50's drive mode selector offered four modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal, with Sport mode providing the most responsive performance.

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. The V6 offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The Grand Cherokee L's maximum tow rating was 6,200 pounds, and it achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD, generated 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and various off-road modes made it capable of tackling challenging terrain, while its stiffer structure provided a smooth ride and capable handling.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50's interior felt spacious, with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The QX50 also featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, storage bins, and charging ports.

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

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also included ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, which worked well during long trips.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Our test vehicle had the larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo's design felt out of place. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for moderate overlap front and side crash protection.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control 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.