2020 Jeep Cherokee Review

　　

2020 Jeep Cherokee Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　Comfortable on the highway, capable on the trail, and better-looking than it was just a scant two years ago, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a strong choice in the compact SUV segment. More than just a comfy crossover that can tackle rocks, though, the Cherokee has appealing high-tech features, a surprisingly sporty nature, two respectable optional powertrains, and some class-leading numbers when it comes to towing.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$146/mo  for Cherokee Latitude

　　Cherokee Latitude

　　Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $25,840 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,340 MSRPLatitude Plus 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,595 MSRPLatitude Plus 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,095 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $28,790 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $30,290 MSRPLatitude Lux 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $29,900 MSRPLatitude Lux 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $31,400 MSRPUpland 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $30,720 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $31,600 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $34,845 MSRPNorth Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $31,800 MSRPTrailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $34,755 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $35,540 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $36,840 MSRPOverland 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 02/20 (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $36,995 MSRPOverland 4dr SUV 4WD w/Prod. End 02/20 (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $38,495 MSRPTrailhawk Elite 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $37,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　While the standard 2020 Cherokee comes with a non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine, there are two others you can choose from: a V6 or a turbocharged four-cylinder. Both are strong performers, with the turbo engine pulling ahead in both power and fuel economy. Under the vehicle itself, there are multiple all-wheel-drive systems to choose from, including the sophisticated system used in the Cherokee Trailhawk, which can get you much further off the beaten path than the average crossover. What's more, the Cherokee, when equipped correctly, can tow as much as 4,500 pounds — a class-leading number.

　　Inside, the Cherokee comes standard with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And there are all sorts of available safety options including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. On top of all that, you can get Jeep's 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, which is one of our favorites in the class.

　　The 2020 Cherokee has some stiff competition, though, in the form of vehicles such as the well-rounded Honda CR-V, the value-packed Subaru Forester and the newly rugged Toyota RAV4. We'd still recommend taking the Cherokee for a test drive, especially if you're a fan of plush seats, a quiet ride and above-average off-road capability.

　　

What's it like to live with the Cherokee?

As a part of our long-term vehicle test program, the zzdcar' editorial team acquired and lived with a 2014 Jeep Cherokee for a year, putting over 20,000 miles on the odometer. We tested the Cherokee in all kinds of environments and reported on its off-road capability, cabin comfort, in-car tech and more. There are some differences between the 2014 and 2020 worth noting — the Cherokee's styling was refreshed in 2019 and an optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine was added to the lineup. But the 2020 is in the same generation as our test Cherokee, so many of our observations still apply.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Cherokee drive? We're pleasantly surprised by the Cherokee's sporty nature, especially when you consider Jeep's reputation for off-road capability. Steering is nicely weighted and feels direct. It also transmits some of the road texture to the driver. The wheel is well-balanced, and there's a good sense of on-center feel. Shifts feels sluggish with the nine-speed automatic, so we'd probably opt for the turbo 2.0-liter engine, which outperforms the V6.

　　The brake pedal has a good amount of effort and response, making it easy and predictable to stop smoothly in everyday driving. Off-roading is above average, too, with multiple trim levels from which to choose that offer varying levels of dirt-capability.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Cherokee? The Cherokee does a fine job of softening harsh roads but is less adept at controlling the ups and downs of smoother undulating roads. We found the seats to be comfortable, with nice, breathable upholstery, even if they don't provide a lot of lateral support. There's an average amount of road and wind noise, not enough to be distracting, but we wouldn't call it quiet either.

　　The climate control system maintains temperature well, and the controls are easy to locate and adjust. Some functions such as the seat- and steering-wheel heaters are located in the touchscreen, requiring an extra step, but pop up immediately when you start the car — a nice touch. Seat heaters get toasty quickly, too.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The high-mounted cabin is easy to climb into and see out of, and there's an ample amount of headroom. The view straight back is free of obstructions, and the generous glass — including the small window at each rear flank -- also helps to minimize blind spots. There's also a generous amount of seat height adjustment, which should suit a wide range of driver types. Backseat passengers will appreciate the generous legroom.

　　This Jeep is not only easy to use, it's also easy to figure out, thanks to a straightforward Uconnect infotainment system and large, easy-to-wield knobs and buttons. However, those who are eyesight-challenged might want to upgrade to the larger 8.4-inch infotainment screen.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and the entry-level infotainment interface is nice, even if the icons are on the small side. The touchscreen menu is pretty straightforward, providing prompts that are helpful in guiding you through the available commands. You can make calls, tune to a radio station, and even set the climate control system through voice commands. There are two USB ports up front and two more for charging in the back, and the upgraded audio system delivers great sound.

　　Our test car did not have many driver aids, but the alerts (such as blind-spot warning) can be configured to be audible or visual only. Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are only available on higher trims.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Despite the trunk's small volume dimensions, its layout is clever and useful. The adjustable load floor is handy and liftover height is manageable, but the Cherokee's 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space makes it one of the smallest trunks in the segment. There's a good variety of cabin storage options for the items people commonly bring inside.

　　Child safety seat anchors are clearly marked and accessible between the rear seatback and bottom cushion. Likewise the rear tethers are also easy to access on the back of the seats. For those who tow trailers, an optional tow package increases the Cherokee's capacity to a useful 4,500 pounds.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Our V6 test vehicle is rated at 22 mpg (19 city, 27 highway), which is well below what competitors return. We averaged 20.9 mpg over the course of two weeks, with a best return of 25.2 mpg on our 116-mile evaluation loop. The optional turbo 2.0-liter is not only more efficient but makes more power.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Cherokee a good value? Our midlevel Cherokee model was missing some interior refinement, but things weren't all bad. Control knobs have soft detents and rubberized knurling that makes for easy adjustment. The hard plastic trim has a ruggedness to it, but it looks a bit cheap compared to segment leaders.

　　The Cherokee has a three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which matches most rivals. Roadside assistance is covered for five years/60,000 miles, which is better than some rivals. For pure value, segment leaders offer more standard features, but many of the Jeep's add-ons are affordable, and some are not offered by competitors. Ultimately, you're paying more for Jeep capability

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The Cherokee is much easier on the eyes than it was before Jeep's midcycle refresh for 2019, but its design definitely lost some of its predecessor's boldness. Couple that with the fact that it's one of the most off-road-capable vehicles in the class that's also surprisingly fun to drive on-road, and it's a rig we'd be happy to drive daily.

　　

Which Cherokee does zzdcar recommend?

Our favorite Cherokee is the Trailhawk trim level. It offers an appealing combination of standard equipment and serious off-road capability. With the Trailhawk, you get the 3.2-liter V6 as standard, but we recommend upgrading to the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for more power and better fuel economy. But if you're just in it for the bigger touchscreen and some heated seats — and you don't need the Trailhawk's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system or off-roady bits — we also recommend the Limited trim level, which is similarly equipped.

　　

2020 Jeep Cherokee models

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a small crossover SUV offered in five main trim levels: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, and Overland.

　　Standard on the Cherokee is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. You can also get an optional 3.2-liter V6 (271 hp and 239 lb-ft) or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (270 hp and 295 lb-ft). A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard with all engines. The Trailhawk is all-wheel-drive only, and all other trims are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

　　Standard equipment highlights for the Latitude include 17-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, 60/40-split folding rear seatback, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, two USB ports, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard.

　　The Latitude Plus trim adds simulated-leather inserts in the upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Satellite radio is standard, along with an extra USB port, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and passive keyless entry with push-button starting. Options for the Latitude Plus include an auxiliary household power outlet, dual-zone climate control, a power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and remote start.

　　The Limited trim includes most of the Latitude's options plus leather upholstery, an upgraded driver display in the gauge cluster, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a nine-speaker audio system..

　　The range-topping Overland comes standard with unique body-colored exterior trim, sound-deadening windshield and front windows, driver-seat memory functions, wood inserts, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a navigation system, and HD radio. Many of the items from the upper trim levels are available on lower trim levels either as packages or stand-alone items.

　　The off-road-themed Trailhawk comes with similar equipment to the Limited trim level plus an advanced all-wheel-drive system (Active Drive II with Active Drive Lock). It also boasts wider wheels and all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, off-road-oriented suspension tuning, a locking rear differential, hill ascent and descent control, skid plates, tow hooks, and unique upholstery.

　　The more advanced Active Drive II AWD system from the Trailhawk is available as an optional extra on AWD-equipped Latitude Plus, Limited and Overland Cherokees.

　　An available Trailer Tow package adds a stand-alone transmission cooler, Class III hitch, a trailer wiring harness for both four- and seven-pin systems, and a full-size spare tire. Versions with the V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder also receive additional engine cooling.

　　The Technology group package — offered on the Limited, Trailhawk and Overland trims — adds full-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, traffic-adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and an automatic parking system that works on both parallel and perpendicular spots.

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2020 Cherokee Highlights

Trim: LatitudeLatitude PlusAltitudeLatitude LuxUplandLimitedNorth EditionTrailhawkHigh AltitudeOverlandTrailhawk EliteLatitude

　　

Base MSRP	$25,840
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$146/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles