2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which began with the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. Inspired by the Willys Jeep, the Defender evolved through various iterations, maintaining its distinctive look and character. The new Defender echoed the vibe of previous generations with modern updates like half-round LED headlights and a structural-looking grille. The flat-topped fenders, fender flares, and floating roof were callbacks to its heritage, while the spare tire on the side-hinged tailgate added to its rugged appeal. The interior featured exposed structure elements, beefy controls, and luxury-comfortable leather-upholstered seating, all contributing to an authentic and high-quality feel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. Its styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, was instantly identifiable as a Jeep with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Available in multiple trim levels, the Grand Cherokee L offered a range of features and pricing. The Summit trim, with its quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology, represented a substantial improvement over the old model. However, some interior materials and fittings fell short of the high price tag's expectations.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful option was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On the road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

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. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Summit trim's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system included an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting. The Grand Cherokee L's ride was smooth and capable, with a secure on-center steering feel and relatively quiet cabin.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, built on a unibody platform, featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row in the 110 and 15.6 cubic feet in the 90. The 110 model provided up to 78.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Summit trim offered 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 ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. However, the front-seat storage space was limited.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, were available for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh 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 2021 Land Rover Defender came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its capability in harsh conditions.

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, could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's safety performance.