2020 Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is based on the 2019. That model was significantly updated under the hood, on the outside, and on the inside. In short, there wasn’t much needed to do for 2020. Yet the manufacturer just keeps tweaking the package.

A new front design includes a unique waterfall grille with the required seven-slot pattern. This style is more in keeping with the current direction of Jeep design. Signature daytime running lamps are incorporated into the front bi-LED projector headlights. The vehicle's weight is reduced strategically by an aluminum hood and lightweight composite liftgate.

The 2020 Cherokee has a bigger Advanced Safety Group Package. UConnect dash tech now offers Alexa Skill Technology. Spitfire Orange and Sangria are two new paint colors, bringing the number of choices up to 12. It’s also the first year that the Latitude Plus model is offering a ski grey interior. Other choices include light frost or dark sienna accents.

Over the years, the Cherokee has grown bigger and more refined. It isn’t as large as the Grand Cherokee, but it does mimic more of its traits this year. The Overland edition brings it more in line with the Grand’s premium flair.

Storage space has increased by four cubic feet. With two adjustments, the back bench can move forward for more cargo space without losing seating.

Trim levels will sound familiar to those who know the Jeep brand. The Latitude is the entry level edition. Latitude Plus is a step up. Limited editions are fancier trims. Overland is the top street performer and luxury model. Trailhawks are approved for serious off-roading. There are also three special editions: Altitude, High Altitude and Upland.

The first engine choice is good for the budget both in terms of Cherokee cost and fuel economy. The other two engines rival each other. The inline turbo four is perhaps the more remarkable of the two. However, the V6 has a class-best tow rating and a best-in-class fuel rating.

Showing that it is truly a Jeep, the Cherokee can be equipped with one of three four-wheel drivetrains. Drivers can go from a road-oriented 4x4 to an adventurous 4x4 to a serious off-roader with a locker rear axle. Off-road enthusiasts will love the Trailhawk's 56:1 crawl ratio. A rear axle disconnect reduces fuel use in certain Cherokee 4x4 models.

Compare the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude vs Latitude Plus Trims. What is the difference?

The standard cloth seats have cloth inserts and special cloth-covered bolsters. Even at this level, there’s a hint of the Grand Cherokee. The layout is similar and there’s a large handsome dashboard.

The seven-inch display has UConnect 4 features. This includes today’s vital connectivity features, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth integrated voice command audio. A rearview camera shows you the way out of a tight spot.

Plus trims have a combination of cloth and premium vinyl bucket seats. This trim will make the driver happy. It has an eight-way power driver chair, steering wheel mounted controls, and push button start.

In the backseat, passengers have a generous 40 inches of legroom. Plus models have rear heat ducts and rear-facing USB ports for charging phones.

Latitudes wear 17-inch Tech Silver aluminum alloys and have heated power side mirrors. Plus models add Satin Carbon alloys and fog lights. Even though it is one of the least expensive trims, this is the first trim level to offer a CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

With the cargo floor in its lowest position, cargo capacity is 27.6 cubic feet. There are eight cargo tie-downs. Spaciousness increases with the seats inched forward. If they are moved as far forward as the track will allow, the area measures 29 cubic feet. Owners can claim 54.7 cubic feet of storage space with the seats folded.

Latitude and Latitude Plus editions are powered by an inline four-cylinder engine. This MultiAir Tigershark unit generates 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. Top fuel economy is 31 miles per gallon on the highway. All Cherokees are controlled by a clever nine-speed automatic transmission.

If combined with Jeep Active Drive I, fuel economy is 29 mpg highway. Jeep Active I is an all-wheel drive system that helps drivers on the road and off. It has a fully disconnecting front-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive can engage automatically when sensors detect that it is needed. It's available on either the Latitude or Latitude Plus.

Also earning 29 miles per gallon on the highway, an inline turbo is available on the Plus. Output is 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is a much speedier way to travel. It has a stop-start system to reduce city fuel use. It can tow up to 4,000 pounds, which is 2,000 pounds more than the TigerShark engine.

Ratings drop to 27 mpg highway with Jeep Active Drive I and 26 mpg highway with Jeep Active Drive II. Available on the Latitude Plus, Jeep Active Drive II has a low-speed mode for off-roading.

Safety precautions start with eight airbags and active headrests. A limited suite of safety systems are offered in a package on both trims. This includes full-speed collision warning, crash mitigation and lane departure warning.

A blind spot monitor and rear cross path detection are standards on the Plus. These systems watch the sides of the vehicle. Drivers are warned not to change lanes when traffic is alongside the Cherokee. Furthermore, the system watches for traffic when the SUV is in reverse.

Compare the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude vs Latitude Upland Trims.  What is the difference?

The Upland edition of the Latitude is only offered on the four-wheel drive edition. It features gloss black roof rails, matte black tow hooks, and other black exterior accents. For off-roading, there’s sill cladding, wheel flares, and black daylight openings. Other additions include fog lamps and special 17-inch black noise wheels

In the cabin, the Latitude interior is spiced with blue accents and silver anodized elements. Even the sunscreen is a deeper tint. The shifter and steering wheel are wrapped in leather. Otherwise, the Upland has the same features as the Latitude.

Compare the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus vs Latitude Plus Altitude Trims. What is the difference?

Jeep knows its customers love to customize so it makes it easy by doing the customization at the factory. With the Altitude designation, the Latitude Plus picks up a gloss black grille surround, gloss black roof rails, and other exterior accents. Inside the theme continues with black accent stitching and piano black elements. With that exception, the Altitude has the same interior appointments and equipment as the regular Latitude Plus.

Compare the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus vs Limited FWD Trims.  What is the difference?

Like the Latitude Plus, the Limited FWD has the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, but it offers the inline turbo and Pentastar V6. Limited models are equipped with larger 18-inch polished aluminum alloys with grey pockets. The liftgate can be operated with the push of a button.

Nappa leather trims the seats, adding leather inserts and bolsters. The dressier interior is better equipped too. It picks up a power passenger seat and a bigger touch screen. This 8.4-inch display makes it easier to see menus and options. Dual-zone climate controls regulate the temperature.

This is the first trim where you can choose adaptive cruise control plus and advanced parking assistance. Jeep’s parallel and perpendicular assist helps put the Cherokee Limited into a parking space. A rear stop system is added for front and rear parking dangers. The cruise control system adapts to traffic patterns, becoming a better partner for busy drivers.

Compare the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited vs Limited High Altitude Trims. What is the difference?

Offering everything you’ll find on the Limited, the High Altitude dresses differently. Granite Crystal color is applied to the roof rails, rear fascia lower valence, grille surround, and other details. Inside the gray continues with Gun metal elements and Tungsten accent stitching. The UConnect navigation system is an important upgrade from the regular Limited.

Compare the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited vs Limited 4x4 Trims.  What is the Difference?

With four-wheel drive, the Limited becomes ready for the trail. In addition, Jeep adds its 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6. This engine generates 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. This increases tow ratings from 2,000 to 4,500 pounds. Top fuel economy is 27 mpg highway. Both Limited models have a stop-start system.

Jeep Active Drive I includes a Selec-Terrain system, but it has a normal duty suspension. Limited models are offered with Active Drive II. This upgrades to the off-road suspension.

Compare the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited Vs. Overland Trims. What is the difference?

The Limited is a handsome ride, but the Overland is even more elegant and well-equipped. The exterior is dressed with charcoal painted grille, polished aluminum alloys with gray clear coat pockets, and dual rear bright tips. Liftgates have been upgraded to a power-operated hands-free operation.

Ventilated and heated front seats are standard. This Jeep’s Nappa leather upholstery is upgraded with perforation. The large 8.4-inch display adds navigation and HD radio.

The Pentastar V6 has a stop-start system. This cuts off the engine when the Cherokee is facing a long idle. The driver moves a foot from the brake, and the SUV is prepared to go.

Compare the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Overland Vs Trailhawk Trims.  What is the difference?

Ready for adventure, Trailhawks are equipped with the more powerful 3.2-liter V6. With it, they can tow up to 4,500 pounds. The trim offers the 270-horsepower inline turbo as well.

The Trailhawk has an advanced Active Drive Lock system. This full-time 4x4 system has an on-demand clutch. There’s a mechanical locking differential to help with terrain challenges. Selec-Speed Control is like cruise at low speeds. It’s the way to go when you want to go slowly over rough trails. The Select Terrain management system has five settings to help the Trailhawk handle mud, snow, and other impediments.

The Trailhawk wears different wheels than the Overland. Its aluminum alloys have Titanium II pockets or are painted with Jet Black semi-gloss. The grille’s chrome surround is replaced by an accent color surround. There are multiple skid plates covering the front suspension, fuel tank, and underbody.

Trailhawk interiors don't rise to the level of the Overland's luxury. There’s a power driver's chair, but the front passenger seat is manually adjustable. Like the Limited, it has a 7-inch configurable TFT color display behind the steering wheel. The UConnect 8.4-inch system is also standard, but it doesn’t include navigation like the Overland model does.

Which Trim to Choose?

As you climb the trim ladder, not only do you get more amenities, but you gain the right to access packages. This may cause many buyers to consider a high trim just to get the package they want.

For those who want to tow, the least expensive choice would be the Latitude Plus with the inline turbo engine. This model is eligible for the tow package, and it would pull up to 4,000 pounds.

For off-roading, you can stay within your budget with the Latitude 4x4 and enjoy some adventure. If you don’t have to worry about your budget, the Trailhawk is the obvious off-roading choice. For budgets in between frugal and unrestrained, you can get four-wheel drivetrains on any Cherokee.

If your emphasis is on safety or luxury, you can step up to the Limited and enjoy the benefits of both. The Limited has Nappa leather and lots of amenities. At that level, you can get the whole crash avoidance package with the parking assistance.

If luxury is the only thing you seek, however, then you will want to reach for the Overland. This is the only one with ventilated seats. It’s got the richest leather choice and the top UConnect system. You don’t have to pay extra to get the 3.2-liter V6.

For the most unique look, the Limited High Altitude definitely qualifies. Those Granite Crystal accents are more original than the black accents on the other two special editions.

The standard engine is fine for regular commuters. However, driving enthusiasts will turn to the turbo or the V6, once again pushing you to higher trim levels. You can’t go wrong with either of these powertrains. It’s always more fun behind the wheel when you have lots of horsepower and torque.