2021 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and 2021 Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
In comparing the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2021 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2021 Jeep Cherokee.
Pricing: A used 2021 Jeep Cherokee ranges from $19,999 to $29,396 while a used 2021 Toyota Highlander is priced between $28,476 to $41,439.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee loses 43.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota Highlander retains 4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Jeep Cherokee.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.8 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Cherokee being ranked 38 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 10 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.7 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander an advantage in reliability compared to the Jeep Cherokee.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 295 horsepower. The Cherokee is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 493 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles.This gives the 2021 Jeep Cherokee the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Toyota Highlander the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Toyota Highlander, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$27,890
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$35,085
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,097
Price Range:
$19,999 - $29,396
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,401
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42,468
# Good or Great Deals:
469
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,853
Price Range:
$28,476 - $41,439
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,315
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
55,367
# Good or Great Deals:
471
Jeep Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Jeep Cherokee
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
21.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Jeep Cherokee Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 59Ranking
51 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 59Summary Review
The Jeep Cherokee has come a long way since its introduction in 1974. The current generation, introduced in 2014, was given an exterior update in 2019, along with some added engine options. The Cherokee is best known for its fuel economy, off-road capability, and family friendly design. New models cost an average of $32,172 and 3-year-old models average $22,989.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Suspension capable for both on-road and off-road use
- Excellent infotainment touchscreen and user interface
- Smart interior design and comfort
- Base engines feel underpowered
- Wind and road noise at highway speeds
- Cargo capacity is limited compared to rivals
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels
80th Anniversary Edition, Altitude, Freedom, High Altitude, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk
2021 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
263 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 31 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
128.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3590 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
65.7 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4145 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Beige
Light Brownstone Pearl Coat
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Slate Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Sting-Gray Clear Coat
Green
Olive Green Pearl Coat
Orange
Spitfire Orange Clear Coat
Red
Velvet Red Pearl Coat
Silver
Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Brown
Opulent Amber
Interior Colors
Beige
Black/Light Frost Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Gray
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