Jeep Cherokee vs Honda CR-V

Comparing the Engine Options of the 2021 Cherokee vs 2021 CR-V

The Jeep Cherokee comes with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine mated to a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. With the base model 2021 Honda CR-V, you get a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

While both standard engines perform similarly, the Jeep Cherokee has three possible engine setups compared to the Honda CR-V model’s single configuration.

You can opt to equip the Jeep Cherokee with an available 2.0L turbo engine or 3.2L V6 engine. With the available 3.2L V6 engine, the 2021 Cherokee is supplied with 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. Its available 2.0L turbo engine pushes out 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Additional power equals more capabilities. The 2021 Cherokee can be configured to tow up to 4,500 pounds. At its best, the CR-V has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Which Vehicle Has a Better Interior Design?

For an SUV that most people will take on the road every day, having enough interior amenities is important to consider. The Jeep Cherokee has more features off the starting line. It comes with a Uconnect® 4 infotainment system that has a 7-inch touchscreen while the Honda CR-V has a 5-inch LCD screen.

In addition, the Cherokee’s system offers phone connectivity via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Using voice commands, you can ask these apps to find directions and music or make phone calls and send text messages. The Honda CR-V doesn’t come standard with these programs, so you’d have to upgrade.

Whether you want to stick with the standard option or choose the available multimedia display, the Cherokee still takes the lead. It has an available 8.4-inch touchscreen display, which is over an inch larger than the CR-V model’s available 7-inch touchscreen display.

The 2021 Cherokee also has more configurable seating to bring enhanced comfort. Although the CR-V has available heated and leather-trimmed front seats, too, only the Cherokee has available ventilated front seats.

Now that you’ve seen what these SUVs offer when it comes to comforts and tech, let’s discuss interior room. While both models can accommodate up to five people in two rows, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee has a more spacious cabin. In the Cherokee, there’s 128 cubic feet of passenger space. The Honda CR-V is more compact with just 105.9 cubic feet of passenger volume.

Getting a Safe SUV Built to Your Personal Preference

Sometimes an overlooked aspect in choosing between two models are the various trim levels they each offer. The 2021 CR-V only has five trim levels, limiting the possible configurations you can choose to suit all your wants and needs. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has almost double that of the 2021 CR-V with nine different trims.

This means you can find the exact SUV that has the features you’re looking for, including safety. The Honda CR-V and Jeep Cherokee both have reinforced frames and advanced multi-stage airbag systems to help keep you and your passengers out of harm’s way. Other comparable standard safety tech includes Electronic Stability Control and Hill Start Assist.

However, the 2021 Cherokee boasts some standard features that sets it apart from the CR-V. This includes Trailer Sway Control, which goes along with the increased towing potential you’ll find on this model. Unfortunately, Trailer Sway Control isn’t available on the CR-V at all.

In addition, the Cherokee offers standard rain-sensitive windshield wipers to automatically adapt when adverse weather hits. While the CR-V offers a similar feature, they’re not standard and are only found on the highest trim level.

The base model Cherokee also offers Keyless Enter ‘n Go, a keyless entry system that allows you to hop in without ever removing the key fob from your pocket. To get the same feature in the 2021 CR-V, you would need a trim level upgrade.

Safety Technology in the Jeep Cherokee and Honda CR-V

To build on the safety features already mentioned, let’s delve further into the advanced systems you’ll find on both models. On the Jeep Cherokee, there’s the standard Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking system to help avoid impacts. Similarly, the Honda CR-V has Forward Collision Warning and the Collision Mitigation Braking System™.

The Cherokee goes on to offer the standard LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist system, which has been designed to keep you within lane lines. The CR-V also has a Lane Keeping Assist System and Lane Departure Warning.

However, the Jeep model is the only one of the two to offer standard Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear-Cross Path Detection. With both systems, you’ll be better informed about certain hard-to-see spots in order to safely move your vehicle. The Honda model’s comparable Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor unfortunately doesn’t come standard.

The Cherokee also includes some available parking technology, like Parallel and Perpendicular Park and Unpark Assist. This system provides steering assistance into parking spaces while you hit the gas or brake and switch gears. Even better, it can be used for spaces on either the driver or passenger side. Unfortunately, no such technology is found on the CR-V.