2020 Jeep Cherokee Pros vs Cons

The Jeep Cherokee has been around in one form or another since 1974. It was first available as a full-sized SUV before large SUVs were the dominant vehicle type that they are today. From 1984 to 2012, it was changed to a compact SUV. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is now a compact crossover SUV. The Cherokee just keeps getting smaller, but it still offers huge performance and utility. Here are ten of the best reasons to own one.

What's New For 2020?

The Cherokee received a number of cosmetic and performance upgrades in 2019. There wasn't much of an incentive for Jeep to make major changes again so soon. The new Cherokee remains largely the same as it was last year. There are two new exterior-paint colors called Spitfire Orange and Sangria for 2020. Jeep has also added an optional Advanced Safety Group package for these latest models.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Jeep Cherokee – The Pros

1. Great Engine Performance

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee offers excellent performance from the available V-6 engine. This 3.2-liter V-6 cranks out 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. That's plenty of power so that you'll never feel bogged down by a while carload of passengers or cargo. All of that power helps to propel the Cherokee over rough terrain when you take her off-road too. Acceleration is brisk and can get you from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in just over 8 seconds. For even more power and efficiency, Jeep has added a turbocharged 4-cylinder to the engine options for 2020.

2. Excellent Steering and Handling

Steering in the Cherokee has a nice weight to it with adequate feedback from the road. This compact SUV feels a bit sporty when taking tight curves. There's very little sway or body roll here. For a small crossover vehicle, the Cherokee is a fun car to drive.

3. Impressive Off-Road Performance

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee offers some of the best off-road credibility of any vehicle in its class. For some serious off-road fun, you may wish to choose the Trailhawk model. This gets you a high-tech all-wheel drive system and an upgraded suspension. The Trailhawk offers decent ground clearance too. It comes standard with the 3.2-liter V-6. This is the kind of off-road capability that has become synonymous with the name Jeep.

4. The Superb Suspension System

Every trim level of the Cherokee comes equipped with an outstanding suspension system. It does an excellent job of soaking up every bump in the road. It also provides for a smoother ride over off-road terrain. This is true whether you're driving the Trailhawk model or even in a lower trim level.

5. A Comfortable Interior Cabin

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee provides a nice, comfortable interior, especially up front. The seats are nice and supportive. There's plenty of leg and head room for the driver and front passenger. The cabin sits up high, but it remains easy to get in and out of. This also gives you an excellent view of the road and whatever is around you.

6. Plenty of Cargo Space

Extra cargo capacity is one of the top reasons to pick an SUV over another type of vehicle. This is even true for the smaller crossovers on the market. They may not have as much storage space as their bigger counterparts, but they have more than your average sedan. Think of it as a nice, balanced compromise. The Cherokee gives you 25.8 feet of cargo volume in its natural state. You can also configure the rear seats to expand this up to 54.7 cubic-feet of space.

7. Room for Lots of Passengers

The second most common reason drivers choose a crossover SUV is for the passenger space. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee can comfortably seat up to five people. Taking your friends and family along for the ride has never been easier Entering and exiting the vehicle is easy for the front and rear passengers.

8. Great Infotainment System

Jeep has loaded the Cherokee with a premium infotainment system. You'll be able to enjoy high-quality sound for your favorite music. You will also be able to stay connected. Jeep's Uconnect system is a navigation platform to help you to find your every destination. Off-road pages in the system give you system data and updates to keep you aware of everything on your adventures.

Sirius Travel Link and Sirius Traffic Plus can be had for a subscription fee. These services give you a heads up on any traffic conditions in your area as well as detailed weather reports. Jeep's Drive rating system let's you know how you or a secondary driver is doing behind the wheel. This is a handy feature to have if you have younger drivers in the home.

9. A Nice Array of Safety Features

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is as safe as it is reliable. Jeep has packed the Cherokee with some nice safety features. You get side, front and overhead airbags. Knee airbags and whiplash protection is included as well. Anti-lock brakes, stability control and a standard security system are all provided for here too.

In addition to your standard safety features, you'll also get some nice driver-assist technology. Included is a rear-view camera to help you navigate while in reverse. The Rear Cross path Detection gives you a heads up when another vehicle approaches you from a potential blind-spot. Last of all, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gives the Cherokee a four-out-of-five-star rating for safety.

10. Good Towing Capacity for its Class

Towing isn't always something you think of with a smaller crossover SUV. Fortunately, the Jeep Cherokee offers one of the highest towing capacities in its class. You will be able to pull from 3,200 pounds up to a whopping 7,200 pounds with a properly equipped Cherokee. The exact number will depend on your engine choice and trim level.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Jeep Cherokee – The Cons

1. The Fuel Economy

The Jeep Cherokee fuel-economy ratings aren't terrible, they're just not as good as many competing vehicles in this class. With the I-4 engine you will get a combined rating of 25 miles-per gallon. This drops down to 22 miles-per-gallon on 4X4 models. A V-6 equipped Cherokee will get between 21 to 23 miles-per-gallon depending on the trim level and whether you choose front-wheel drive or 4X4. There are plenty of compact crossovers that do better than those numbers.

2. A Sluggish Base Engine

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee base engine provides mediocre acceleration. The 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque are more than adequate for hauling around heavy loads of cargo and passengers. Unfortunately, it's not always enough for quick takeoffs and passing power. The good news is that the Cherokee can be had with a much quicker V-6 engine. For the best power and efficiency, you can even opt for a turbocharged I-4.

3. The Cost of Higher Trim Levels

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee has a very affordable and competitive base price. Unfortunately, it can get pricey at the higher trim levels. While this is true of every vehicle, it's quite a steep increase for the Cherokee. That means having the best of what Jeep offers will cost you.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

The Jeep Cherokee has three top competitors in its class. These are the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V. Each of these vehicles has plenty to offer if you're looking for a compact crossover vehicle.

The Subaru Forester offers a bit more cargo space than the Jeep Cherokee. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive for every trim level. The Cherokee offers 4X4 as an option. Both do well in off-road situations. The Cherokee Trailhawk wins out here if off-roading is your priority. The Cherokee also offers multiple engine choices and price points while the Forester only comes equipped with one powertrain.

The Mazda CX-5 offers a cheaper base price, though it is significantly more expensive at the upper trim levels. Once again, the Cherokee loses out to its competitor when it comes to overall cargo space. The Jeep out-powers the Mazda if you need a crossover with legitimate towing and off-road capabilities.

Honda's CR-V comes in at a very similar price point as the Jeep Cherokee. They stay comparable in cost as you move up through the trim levels too. The Honda gives you more cargo space and a more luxurious, comfortable interior. The Jeep once again wins out when it comes to power, towing and off-road performance. You can get the Cherokee with a V-6 engine while the CR-V only comes with an inline-4.

In Conclusion:

If you're looking for a new compact crossover SUV, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is an excellent choice. It does everything you could need for a crossover to do. You get plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The towing and off-road capabilities make this a legitimate SUV. It's just in a smaller, more maneuverable package. Thanks to the new Advanced Safety Group package, the Cherokee is safer than ever before. The Cherokee is the best crossover vehicle in its class.