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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 $16,624 to $27,000 while a used 2021 Toyota Highlander is priced between $25,940 to $40,999.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee loses 50.3 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota Highlander retains 8.5 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 7.4 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Cherokee being ranked 35 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 5 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.5 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight 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.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Jeep Cherokee
2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Jeep Cherokee
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2021 Jeep Cherokee for Sale

2021 Toyota Highlander
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2021 Toyota Highlander for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

27890

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

25515

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

23700 - 27890

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

35085

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

32108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

27000 - 37580

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

22350

Price Range:

16624 - 27000

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

22412

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

18721 - 26231

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1013

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

64119

# Good or Great Deals:

393

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

33313

Price Range:

25940 - 40999

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

28757

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

22434 - 40434

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

894

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

76984

# Good or Great Deals:

313

Jeep Cherokee Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

7.0 / 10

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.5 / 10

Reliability:

8.1 / 10

Retained Value:

8.3 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Jeep Cherokee

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

7.3

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

5.6 - 11.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.087

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota Highlander

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.8

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.6

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.7 - 12.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.387



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.900696617010009

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.0

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.4 - 16.9

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.245616441293197

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 26.4

Jeep Cherokee Rankings

Best Small SUVs for Towing

1 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

1 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $40k

1 / 1

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $40k

1 / 1

Best Off-road Small SUVs

3 / 19

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

9 / 16

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

9 / 16

Most Reliable Small SUVs

12 / 19

Best Small SUVs

14 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

15 / 66

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

16 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

16 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

17 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

17 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

22 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

24 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

29 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs

35 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

48 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

51 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

53 / 66

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

56 / 66

Safest Crossover SUVs

58 / 66

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Best Midsize SUVs

1 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

4 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

4 / 29

Best Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Best Family Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

5 / 26

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

6 / 66

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

7 / 66

Best Family Crossover SUVs

7 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

9 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

9 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

13 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 31

Safest Crossover SUVs

17 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

18 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 29

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

19 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

21 / 54

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

21 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

24 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 33

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

25 / 26

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 31

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

28 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

29 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

29 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

29 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

31 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

34 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

44 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

54 / 54

Summary 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.

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Summary Review

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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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

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 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

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 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 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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