2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with opinions softening over time. While the short grille and swept-back headlights initially divided opinions, familiarity improved its perception. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch wheels and painted cladding. Jeep's design prowess was evident in features like the optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its distinctiveness in a crowded SUV market. The Cherokee's resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front, helped it stand out.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's long-standing reputation in the luxury SUV segment. Its design cleverly scaled the iconic Range Rover profile into a sporty package, maintaining signature elements like the trapezoidal roof and distinctive grille. The Velar's sleek form, with its sloping roof and flush door handles, was both blocky and streamlined. Special details like the taillight lenses and air ducts added to its allure. The interior, though less opulent in the base trim, maintained high-quality materials and a polished design, with advanced technology integrated seamlessly.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, slightly outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, praised for its efficiency. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control, though front-wheel drive versions were available for budget-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering improved handling and a smoother ride. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's Terrain Response system provided six driving modes, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rovers. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a mild-hybrid system, offered up to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, enhancing performance while reducing emissions.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee positioned itself between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V. However, its cargo space was limited, with 26 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55 cubic feet with seats folded. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet. The interior was straightforward, with trim levels influencing material quality. Higher trims offered features like suede seat inserts and Nappa leather upholstery, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was modest, at 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were controversial. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the interior featured high-quality materials, even in base trims.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. A 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration were also available. The system's consistency across Stellantis brands was a notable advantage for buyers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout and customizable features. Voice activation, advanced navigation, and a 360-degree camera system were highlights. The infotainment system was complemented by standard features like LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS, it fell short in headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring, though adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control enhanced safety, though the Velar's design choices raised concerns.