The Jeep brand is synonymous with the SUV and truck segment and can single-handedly be attributed to the creation of this entire segment. With a rich history to solidify its contributions to the American automotive industry, Jeep continues to dominate the segment and win hearts throughout America. And one of their most likable offerings is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A well-equipped mid-sized SUV bundles with performance and utility, the Grand Cherokee flaunts all the necessary qualities one would look for. That said, competition is not far away, with some capable and popular competitors like the Toyota 4Runner. Let’s see what makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee better than the Toyota 4Runner.
Considering the fact that the 2022 model will receive some major updates, the 2021 model receives a couple of updates like a new 80th Anniversary Edition, a new Laredo X trim, availability of a Sun and Sound Package for the Limited trim, and gloss-black exterior trim for the Limited X model.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
vs |
2021 Toyota 4Runner |
3.6-liter V-6 |
Engine |
4.0-liter V-6 |
293 hp / 260 ft-lbs. |
Horsepower / Torque |
270 hp / 278 ft-lbs. |
Eight-speed Automatic Transmission |
Transmission |
Five-speed Automatic Transmission |
36.3 cu. ft. |
Cargo Capacity (Cubic Feet) |
47.2 cu. ft. |
8.6 inches. | Ground Clearance (inches) | 9.0 inches. |
The Jeep annihilates the 4Runner when it comes to performance. The Grand Cherokee’s base V-6 engine produces 293 horsepower compared to the 4Runner’s meager 270 horsepower power output. If that’s not enough, the Grand Cherokee also gets an additional 5.7-liter V-8 engine that produces 357 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. And if you want to go bonkers, Grand Cherokee is also available in SRT and Trackhawk configurations. The SRT variant comes with a 6.4-liter V-8 that produces 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, while the Trackhawk variant one-up’s all of its competition with a mammoth 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque produced by a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine. The 4Runner comes nowhere close to these powerful figures.
Coming to the interior, the Grand Cherokee’s cabin is spacious and comfortable. High-quality materials have been used all around and Jeep has done a good job in maintaining the quality level in all the trims. The Grand Cherokee also offers ample space for its passengers while the seats have been designed in line with the average American’s body type. This is one more aspect that the 4Runner does not completely catch up with. The base trim comes with cloth upholstery while the higher trims upgrade it to premium leather upholstery along with power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
The 4Runner excels in the features aspect with a host of standard safety features across all trims. But that doesn’t go without saying that the Grand Cherokee has also been updated to meet the current consumer demands with features like a seven-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker sound system, and two USB ports. Optional features include an 8.4-inch touch screen, HD Radio, navigation, a Harman Kardon 19-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a rear-seat entertainment system, remote start, a sunroof, and a power liftgate.
In terms of safety, The Toyota 4Runner takes the lead here as well with an impressive list of standard safety features. The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s base trim does not offer the same number of features on the base trim. However, the higher trims do get active safety features like automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning, to name some of them.
All said and done, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a true American SUV with plenty of power and comfort to offer. It sure does fall behind a bit in the safety features aspect. But with their availability as optional features, one can surely spec out the Grand Cherokee as per their requirement.