[Auto] 2021 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2021 GMC Terrain Comparison

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The off-roader of the compact SUV class, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee goes up against the sharp-looking and comfortable 2021 GMC Terrain. Here’s how they compare.

 

 

2021 Jeep Cherokee Starting Price: $27,785 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Real off-road ability; two upgrade engines; loads of standard safety features; 4,500-pound max towing capacity.

 

Below Average: Weak base engine; middling reliability and resale value; small cargo area.

 

Consensus: Straddling the line between compact crossover and SUV, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a solid SUV for the city, but also a very capable off-roader. The base engine is weak and should be avoided, and the cargo area’s smaller than those of competitors.

 

 

2021 GMC Terrain Starting Price: $26,195 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Good infotainment system; comfortable ride quality; luxurious Denali trim.

Below Average: Push-button gear selector instead of a traditional lever; higher trim levels can get expensive; no AWD in base trim.

Consensus: Handsome, comfortable, and with a choice of turbocharged engines, the 2021 GMC Terrain makes a case for itself as a stylish, well equipped compact crossover with a fair amount of safety features.

 

Cherokee vs. Terrain: Boulders and Boulevards

 

Jeep Cherokee

Most members of the compact crossover class offering comfortable seating, some nice tech features, and good driving manners, with some good tech and safety features. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee does all these things, while also adding the off-road credentials expected of a Jeep, particularly in Trailhawk trim. Front-wheel drive is the default setting for the base Cherokee, but any engine can be paired with all-wheel drive. The base model comes with a lackluster 2.4-liter four-cylinder, but there’s not only a turbocharged 4-cylinder but also a V6 available, with the turbo costing a mere $675. It’s money well spent, as the turbo’s extra torque will come in handy if you’re doing any off-roading.

 

One does not typically purchase a compact crossover for its dazzling performance, and the Cherokee is no exception, but the ride is good and the cabin comfortable. Standard equipment is comprehensive, including numerous safety features and a 7-inch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. One area where the 2021 Cherokee lags is cargo space, with a mere 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 54.7 with all seats folded. Resale values are not terribly strong either.

 

GMC Terrain

The more uptown cousin to the Chevy Equinox, the 2021 GMC Terrain is a handsome, well-equipped, and comfortable compact crossover SUV. With the base model offering a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and front-wheel drive only, performance is adequate, but we prefer the 2.0-liter turbo instead, which also increases the tow rating to 3,500 pounds. Beyond the base model, AWD is also available. The ride is comfortable, and in the curves, the Terrain can actually be engaging, but a sports car it is not.

 

The interior is quiet and the seats are cushioned well, although there are a few hard plastics. The top Denali trim is a bit of a different story, however, with not only a better suspension but more luxury appointments and some different exterior trim pieces. But even the base Terrain comes well equipped, with keyless entry and ignition, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, four USB ports, and GMC’s Pro Safety package of driver assistance features. Cargo space is decent but hardly class-leading, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats expanding to 66.3 with all seats folded.

 

Similarities

Both offer all-wheel drive; comfortable ride; base engines are a little weak; good standard safety features.

 

2021 Jeep Cherokee Advantages

Much better off-road; higher maximum tow rating; optional V6.

2021 GMC Terrain Advantages

More luxurious; more cargo space; better fuel economy.

 

Final Recommendation

While the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and 2021 GMC Terrain both compete in the compact crossover space, they approach their missions from somewhat different angles. As basic city vehicles, they do just fine, but there’s no question that the Cherokee is the hands-down winner if your weekends take you past the road’s end or towing some dirt bikes out to the trails. If your life is primarily urban, however, then the Terrain wins, with its more comfortable ride, better fuel economy, and larger cargo compartment. Whichever you choose, however, we strongly suggest the upgrade engine.