Jeep unveiled its latest off-road capable SUV this week: the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. But how does this all-new iteration of the Jeep Grand Cherokee compare to its rivals? Say the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, in particular. Well, let’s find out.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is only available with one engine 

Whether you opt for a rear, all, or four-wheel drive model, you can expect a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine to come standard under the hood of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Rated at 290-hp and 257 pound-feet of torque, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s standard V6 is more powerful than that of the 4Runner’s 270-hp 4.0-liter V6. 

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers multiple engine options. So if 290-hp isn’t quite enough power for you, there is another option, a potent 5.7-liter V8 capable of delivering 357-hp and 390 pound-feet of torque. As for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner? It’s available with one engine and one engine only, its underpowered 4.0-liter V6.

When it comes to towing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has the edge

Unsurprisingly, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has the edge when it comes to towing too. When equipped with its standard V6 engine, this all-new model is able to tow 6,200-pounds. Upgrade to the available 5.7-liter V8 and that number trends upwards to 7,200-pounds. Pretty impressive, right?

As for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner? It’s not quite as strong as its Jeep competition. With its standard 4.0-liter V6 under the hood, this year’s model is only able to tow a maximum of 5,000-pounds. While that’s certainly not a number worth scoffing at, it simply goes to show that the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L can tow more than the 2021 Toyota 4Runner.

The Grand Cherokee L can be had with some pretty innovative tech too

And if you don’t care about performance and don’t foresee any towing in your future? That’s OK. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has plenty more going for it. New to the Grand Cherokee L is the next-generation, 10.1-inch display for the new Uconnect 5 system. 

It’s also available with a premium McIntosh audio system which features a blue-glowing power meter to further highlight the modern touches of luxury within the Grand Cherokee’s interior. And if that doesn’t have you quite sold on the Grand Cherokee L’s innovative tech? It’s also available with a head-up display and a rear seat monitoring camera.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, isn’t quite as tech-savvy. Sure, it comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. But is it available with a larger touchscreen display? Nope. It’s not available with a head-up display or a rear seat monitoring camera either. And if you’re after that premium McIntosh audio system? Well, that’s exclusive to Jeep.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee L better than the Toyota 4Runner?

If you’re in the market for an off-road capable SUV, you really can’t go wrong with either of these vehicles. That is, unless, you need the added towing power of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Or, of course, if you find yourself feeling tempted by the Grand Cherokee L’s many innovative tech features.