2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

There’s no better automaker out there that can produce adventure vehicles like Jeep. From off-roading fun to daily driving and everything in-between, Jeep has consistently put out the coolest SUVs for decades. Things aren’t about to change either. Looking at the 2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you will notice that these two sport utility vehicles embrace the SUV class more than any other competitors. However, their similar names have left many new Jeep shoppers wondering what the differences between these two models are.

Put simply, the Cherokee is a compact SUV, while the Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV. Both are great for families, couples, and even individuals who like to travel with friends or need the extra cargo space and performance that an SUV offers. However, opting for the Grand Cherokee will bring you more interior space, additional luxury features, and a selection of extremely powerful V8 engines. While both models are stellar SUVs with plenty of great qualities, they are designed for different needs. The Jeep experts here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep have put together this guide to help you decide which one is best suited to your driving style and personal needs.

Size and Space

The new 2021 Jeep Cherokee is an adventurous ride with lots of character. As a compact SUV, it can carry up to five people with 25.8 cubic feet of cargo room in the back. If you need more space for larger cargo, you can easily fold the rear seats down to reveal a maximum area of 54.7 cubic feet. Available in five trim levels and three special editions, there is a Cherokee model for just about everyone. Even though it is a compact ride, you’ll be surprised at just how powerful and capable it is while off-roading – especially in its Trail Rated Trailhawk trim. It even gets good gas mileage and has plenty of high-tech features.

On the other hand, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the bigger sibling. As a midsize model, it can also carry up to five passengers, but it offers more space, including 36.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. Again, you can fold the rear seats down to expand this area up to 68.3 cubic feet. Offered in seven unique trim levels and three special editions, this ride is great for active families. And with the sporty SRT and Trackhawk trims, you can even get V8 muscle car performance out of your luxury SUV.

Engines and Performance

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has three powertrain options. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine that makes 180 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. The average fuel economy is 25 MPG combined, and it can pull up to 2,000 lbs – that’s more than the typical compact crossover, which is usually capped at 1,500 lbs.

Pumping out 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder can pull up to 4,000 lbs, which is almost unheard of for a compact SUV. Its strength doesn’t hurt the fuel economy either. This peppy powertrain gets about 26 MPG combined. Finally, the third powertrain option for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 motor. Generating 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque, this robust motor can also pull up to 4,500 lbs. The estimated fuel economy is 24 MPG combined.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has four powertrain choices. First up is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This slightly larger motor puts out 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and it can haul an impressive 6,200 lbs. However, its fuel economy is 22 MPG combined. The second option is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. This popular engine makes 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs, which is perfect for pulling a camper.

For sporty performance, the robust 6.4-liter SRT V8 motor produces 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. This engine also comes with Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4WD and five unique driving modes, including Auto, Sport, Snow, Track, and Tow, to optimize performance everywhere you go. Finally, the last engine option for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 found on the top of the line Trackhawk trim. Featuring powder-forged connecting rods, sodium-cooled exhaust valves, and forged-alloy high-strength pistons, this incredibly powerful engine generates a staggering 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque.

Technology and Features

Both the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee come with advanced infotainment systems to keep you entertained. Kicking things off with the Cherokee Latitude, this base model is anything but basic. The infotainment system offers an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity plus advanced smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can stream your favorite songs through the 6-speaker sound system, use apps, send texts, and make calls hands-free. Standard safety features include rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, blindspot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. It is hard to find an entry-level SUV with all of these stellar features.

Higher trims of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee add additional tech features such as keyless entry and push-button start for convenience. Heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel make for greater comfort on cold days, and rear automatic braking via parking sensors mounted to the back of the vehicle make parking in tight spots safer. You can even get a power liftgate for easy loading and a premium stereo with nine speakers for studio-quality sound. Choosing the Trailhawk trim will bring off-road performance technologies such as Jeep’s Active Drive Lock 4×4 system and Selec-Terrain Traction Management Rock mode for enhanced rock crawling capabilities.

Switching gears, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has an even more impressive base model. The Laredo trim offers keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the same infotainment system that we mentioned on the Cherokee. For safety, blindspot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert systems are included. Upgrading to the higher trims will bring luxuries such as leather seats with power-adjustable with memory settings and a power liftgate that makes it easy to load groceries or gear in the back. The highest trims even add a 19-speaker sound system and parallel park assist for a true luxury SUV experience.

For performance technology, choose the SRT or Trailhawk trim. These will get you the high-performance Brembo brakes system and sport-tuned suspension needed to handle their powerful V8 engines. The 4×4 systems on these trims have also been tuned for performance, and the Launch Control feature provides you with consistent high-speed starts. Finally, the infotainment system includes special pages with additional performance information such as a G meter to track your driving.

Which Jeep SUV Is Right For You?

Here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep, we specialize in adventure vehicles. Although Jeep offers a wide variety of SUV models and trims, we can help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs. If you are comparing the 2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, then remember that the Cherokee is the more compact and efficient option, making it a highly versatile choice. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee is larger and more powerful, satisfying the needs of more performance-driven drivers. If you have any questions, or if there are some other models that you are considering, then our team is here to answer your questions.

At Faricy Chrysler Jeep, you can expect a friendly customer-oriented experience from start to finish. Our goal is to find you the perfect vehicle at a price you can afford. From test driving your options to finding financing, Faricy Chrysler Jeep is here for you. If you want to experience everything that a Jeep SUV can offer, there is no better place to visit than our Colorado Springs dealership. So come on over and get ready for adventure.