2021 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4

2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure ・ Photo by Toyota

The comparison of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a battle of the titans. The RAV4 compact crossover utility vehicle is one of the bestselling vehicles in the market, topped in sales only by the American full-size pickup trucks. At the same time, the Jeep Cherokee has been a trailblazer in the SUV segment since it popularized the 4-door SUV way back in the 1980s.

These days, the RAV4 practically defines the compact SUV segment, while the Jeep Cherokee dips its toe into the mid-size SUV class, though its dimensions land it squarely among compacts. Of course, Jeep has always gone its own way, so why should things be different now? What is clear is that there is plenty to like about both vehicles. The RAV4 is primarily an on-road SUV, but it offers off-road-capable trims. The Cherokee has made its stamp as an off-roader, but it has several on-road-oriented variants.

Exterior Style and Function

Deep into its fifth generation, the RAV4 has long since left the cute-ute person behind. The previous generation RAV4 was sleeker and appeared more compact, but now the model draws inspiration from the Tacoma mid-size pickup and the 4Runner SUV to give it more presence. At the same time, the Cherokee has turned its back on its controversial grille treatment and reverted to a more traditional Jeep SUV design. The most distinctive feature of both designs is the front end. The RAV4 has a big, bold Toyota grille jutting ahead in a long overhang past the front wheels. The Cherokee has the famous seven-slot grille that the brand uses as its logo. In overall length, the Cherokee 1.5 inches longer than the Toyota RAV4. In overall width, it is 0.1-inch narrower than the RAV4. Depending upon where you stand you might say the RAV4 is more rugged-looking than the Cherokee.

: 2021 Jeep Cherokee

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Interior Design and Materials

Both brands are upping their interior game when it comes to these two hot-selling vehicles. The big Cherokee news on that score is the introduction of the new Latitude Lux trim level for 2021. It offers upscale features including remote start, Nappa leather upholstery, power-operated heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and a windshield-wiper de-icer. Even more luxury equipment fills the Cherokee 80th Anniversary Edition based on the Lux.

In a similar vein, Toyota made extra effort to add luxury and style to the RAV4’s interior. The latest expression of that is the addition of the XLE Premium model to the RAV4 hybrid lineup. The cabin of the RAV4 Limited grade could easily pass for a luxury-brand interior. Dual-zone climate control is standard in all but the basic LE model. Fabric-covered seats are standard in the LE and XLE trims, while upper-level versions have SofTex imitation leather-covered seats. The RAV4's 60/40 split-reclining rear seat with center armrest and cup holders folds flat for cargo loading. The Cherokee also has a 60/40 split second-row seat, and it adjusts fore and aft for increased comfort and cargo-carrying flexibility. : 2021 Jeep Cherokee

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Infotainment Systems

Depending on the trim level, RAV4 buyers have the choice of 7- and 8-inch Toyota Entune infotainment systems. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility are widely available. During our test drive, we found the system worked intuitively and completely without drama. The base-level infotainment system offers six speakers, 7.0-inch touchscreen, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition, Siri Eyes Free, auxiliary port, and a USB media port. With a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an available 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee has strong infotainment offerings. The UConnect system is widely regarded for its intuitive operation and large on-screen icons. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi HotSpot and Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa are available as well. For instrumentation, the Cherokee has a thin-film transistor 3.5-inch grayscale or 7-inch full-color configurable cluster. : 2021 Jeep Cherokee

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Varied Powertrains

The Toyota RAV4 crossover offers three powertrains — the highly popular gasoline-powered version, a conventional hybrid, and the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime. The conventional RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter 203-horsepower naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that offers a 184 lb-ft of peak torque. The engine drives either the front or all wheels via a direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain uses an altered 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in tandem with electric motors to drive both front and rear wheels. It delivers 219 horsepower.

The RAV4 Prime uses the hybrid’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine paired with the electric motors for a total system output of 302 horsepower. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offers a variety of engine choices, including the high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder. Mated to a highly efficient nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The base engine is a naturally aspirated 180-horsepower 2.4-liter four cylinder, and a 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V-6 engine is also available. Three 4x4 distinct systems are available: Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. : Tie

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Driving Impressions

Driving the Toyota RAV4 Prime is a revelation because the 302 horsepower really puts pep in its step. It's one of the quickest mass-market hybrids on the market. With the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, the vehicle accelerates well, and the more powerful hybrid with additional low-end torque is even better. The typical compact crossover buyer wants a comfortable, quiet, easy-to-maneuver vehicle; both the RAV4 and Cherokee give it to them.

As you would expect, the Jeep Cherokee is also very willing to show its off-road prowess. The Trailhawk Trail Rated version of the Cherokee is the most capable off-roader in the class. Other Cherokee 4x4 models that don’t carry the Trail Rated badge still perform very well off-road, but it should be noted the Cherokee isn’t an off-road beast that is harsh, noisy, and rough-riding in everyday commutes. It is a true dual-use vehicle that performs well both on and off the pavement. : Tie

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Safety and Driver Aids

For the 2021 model year, the Cherokee’s newly standard active safety features include full-speed forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated side mirrors are also standard. Two very helpful optional features are Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus and ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist. The latter uses ultrasonic parking sensors on the bumper to find and guide you into an available parking space.

The Toyota RAV4 features a comprehensive standard safety package called Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Among the included electronic driver and safety aids are pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beam headlights. Lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and full-speed adaptive cruise control are also on deck. : 2021 Toyota RAV4

Photo by Toyota

Interior and Cargo Space

Among five-passenger crossovers, the Toyota RAV4 is about average in the amount of interior space it offers, while the Jeep Cherokee gives up some interior room so it can perform better in extreme off-road situations. With the rear rows of seats up for use, the RAV4 has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space. That compares to 25.8 cubic feet in the Jeep Cherokee. With the rear seatback folded, the Cherokee offers 54.7 cubic feet of cargo area, and the RAV4 offers 69.8 cubic feet. The RAV4’s liftgate is easy to open and shut, and power operation is standard on the XLE, Adventure, and Limited trims.

The Cherokee’s lightweight liftgate is fashioned of composite, and it has a well-positioned release handle. A hands-free liftgate is also available. Equipped with the 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V-6 engine and the trailer tow package, the Cherokee offers maximum towing of 4,500 pounds, compared to the Toyota’sa 3,500-pound towing max. : 2021 Toyota RAV4

Photo by Toyota

Variety and Choice

Both the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota RAV4 offer a variety of trims and options that allow buyers to tailor their vehicles to their requirements. The conventional RAV4 vehicle lineup has six trim configurations: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure Grade, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. Front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions are available on all but the all-wheel-drive-only Adventure grade. The RAV4 Hybrid is available in LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited trims, and the RAV4 Prime is offered in SE and XSE grades. All of those vehicles are all-wheel drive.

The Cherokee is available in five different trim configurations: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Trailhawk, Limited, and the new Latitude LUX. Both front-drive and 4x4 versions are offered in each trim level with the exception of the Trail Rated Trailhawk, which is only offered as a 4x4. An exceptionally capable off-highway vehicle, it features the Jeep Active Drive Lock 4-wheel-drive system and has a locking rear differential, skid plates, and tow hooks. : 2021 Toyota RAV4

Photo by Toyota

Pricing and Value

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee lineup starts with relatively inexpensive front-drive models and extends to highly capable off-roaders and dual-use vehicles laden with luxury features. The Toyota RAV4 lineup is equally diverse, and it includes both conventional and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The RAV4’s starting price is a bit lower than the Cherokee, but both are in the $25,000 to $26,000 range. On the specialty vehicle front, the RAV4 Adventure grade is around $33,000, and the TRD Off-Road is a bit over $35,000.

On the Cherokee side, the new Latitude Lux trim 4x4 has an MSRP of around $32,000 plus a $1,495 destination charge. The very luxuriously equipped Limited trim level in 4x4 configuration costs about $36,000 plus the $1,495 destination charge. The Jeep Cherokee premier off-road model, the Trailhawk, has a suggested retail of about $36,000 plus destination charge.

: 2021 Toyota RAV4

Photo by Toyota

And the Winner Is...

If you’ve read this far, you have undoubtedly noted how close this comparison is. The RAV4 offers a more varied assortment of choices, including both standard hybrid and plug-in hybrid, and the brand has been beefing up its RAV4 off-road offering. While we respect the capabilities of those RAV4 variants, we still think the Jeep Cherokee is the superior off-road vehicle. You can equip the Cherokee just the way you want it for just about any off-pavement excursion. The RAV4 excels in everyday use. In front-wheel-drive form, it is both inexpensive and incredibly versatile, and, as you might have noted, it is roomier than the Cherokee by a rather large margin. Still, the Cherokee is a Jeep, and it brings with it all that the badge implies. And the front-wheel-drive versions of the Cherokee are very comfortable and handy day-to-day vehicles. In a very close race, the winner is the 2021 Toyota RAV4.

: 2021 Toyota RAV4

Photo by Toyota