2021 Jeep Cherokee
Features & Specs
2021 Chevrolet Equinox
40.3 inches
Rear Leg Room
39.7 inches
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room
40.9 inches
9-speed automatic
Transmission
6-speed automatic
180 horsepower
Engine Power
170 horsepower

2021 Jeep Cherokee vs Chevy Equinox

When you're looking for a new midsize SUV, you'll notice that it is a very large pond. For years, the Jeep Cherokee and Chevrolet Equinox have been leading the class. These two American heavyweights have been in close competition for many model years, making it next to impossible to decide between the two. At Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we want to make this decision easier for you so we took both vehicles and put them in a head-to-head comparison. Read below to see how the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and Chevy Equinox stack up against each other!

2021 Jeep Cherokee Power & Handling

Three engines are available for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The base engine is a 2.4-Liter Inline-4 engine that produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque while averaging a combined 26 MPG. The 3.2L V6 engine comes standard under the hood of the Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk trims. This pushes out 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque and averages 24 MPG. The third available engine is the optional turbocharged 2.0L I-4 that provides drivers with 270 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and 26 MPG. All three Cherokee engines are mated to a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, all-wheel drive is optional on all trims. The off-road-tuned Cherokee Trailhawk comes standard with 4WD. All-wheel drive Cherokee variants come with Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction management system.

2021 Chevrolet Equinox Power & Handling

There is only one engine for the 2021 Chevy Equinox to compete with the three powerful engines offered by the Cherokee. The standard Equinox engine is a 1.5L turbocharged I4 with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. We give credit where it's due so it's worth noting that this gets a combined average of 28 MPG. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel-drive system. While all-wheel drive is an available option, it is not standard on any Equinox trim.

2021 Jeep Cherokee Features & Design

Five trim levels make up the 2021 Jeep Cherokee lineup. The Latitude trim gets things started with standard driver assists, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, heated side mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Latitude LUX turns it up a notch with keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, heated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and windshield wiper de-icer. The Trailhawk trim aims to please off-road enthusiasts with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, red tow hooks, skid plates, an off-road-tuned suspension, and Active Drive Lock with a locking rear axle. The top of the line Cherokee Limited comes with a self-dimming rearview mirror, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a powered liftgate. New for 2021, the Cherokee comes standard with Jeep's Advanced Safety Group which includes blindspot monitoring, full-speed forward collision mitigation, automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, and lane departure warning with lane-keep assist.

2021 Chevrolet Equinox Features & Design

There are four trim levels available for the 2021 Equinox. The L trim kicks off the lineup with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, smartphone integration, 17-inch wheels, and push-button start. The LS trim is next with a compact spare tire, optional all-wheel drive, driver assists, and floor mats. That brings us to the LT trim with tinted rear windows, high-intensity headlights, and an 8-way power driver's seat. The Equinox lineup is topped off by the Premier trim with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather seating, and blindspot monitoring. Safety features that are standard on the Cherokee are only available on higher Equinox trims or with optional packages.

Conclusion:

Both the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and Chevy Equinox have incredible things to offer drivers seeking the perfect midsize SUV. However, with three powerful engines, an extensive list of driver assists, and an interior that's comfortable for drivers and passengers, the 2021 Cherokee is the clear winner! If you're interested in getting behind the wheel of a new Cherokee, look no further than Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Wilmington, NC! You can find our full inventory right here on our website. If you'd prefer, we invite you to come on down to the dealership, where a friendly sales associate will show you our inventory in person and accompany you on a test drive. We look forward to serving you!


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