Used 2020 Jeep Cherokee

#13 in Best Compact SUVs of 2020

When it comes to compact-crossover SUVs, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee stands apart with numerous trims, cutting-edge features and true off-road capability. Where noteworthy rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue make great around-town transports and long-distance highway cruisers, the Jeep Cherokee can also accomplish these tasks but takes adventuring one step further. In the Trailhawk model buyers will find a rugged compact SUV with surprising off-road credentials and a cabin every bit as comfortable and technologically advanced as the best-in-class.

Where most competitors offer only a single engine choice, the Cherokee offers three: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 3.2-liter V6 and 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. In comparison, the Cherokee weighs more than most in this segment and it has one of the smallest cargo compartments, but it more than makes up for these detriments with its style, power, towing ability (up to 4,500 pounds) and off-road readiness.

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As a city-dwelling competitor to the Honda CR-V and others, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee has its shortcomings. It’s heavy, which means fuel economy generally lags competitors. The weight also means that even with the available V6 engine it never feels quick; as for the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, just skip over that. The Cherokee comes more alive with the available turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder thanks to its better torque delivery. All three engines come connected to a 9-speed automatic that occasionally lags in downshifts and upshifts, but at least it’s much smoother than it was when the current Cherokee debuted in 2014. With the extra weight — we’re talking hundreds more than an equivalently equipped CR-V — comes poor fuel economy.

However, ride and handling are spot-on, and even though the Cherokee isn’t quick, neither are its competitors. Once you head off-road though, the Cherokee really shines. The Cherokee Trailhawk with its Active Drive Lock all-wheel-drive system is the most rugged choice, but even standard Cherokee models with Active Drive II and its low-range offer capability that most others can’t match. Throw in the available 4,500 pounds of towing capacity with the V6, and the case for the 2020 Cherokee gets clearer.

For the most part, Jeep’s 2020 Cherokee has a modern interior with logically laid-out instruments and easy-to-reach controls. There are more soft-touch materials thanks to an overhaul last year, and more storage room as well. Standard infotainment comes courtesy of a 7-inch Uconnect 4 touch screen that is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. The upgraded Uconnect 4 gets an 8-inch screen with Alexa Skills integration.

The Cherokee’s seats are fairly comfortable and get better as you climb the trim levels, although driver comfort is somewhat diminished by a steering column that lacks sufficient travel from both its tilt and telescoping functions. Rear-seat comfort is acceptable, with good head- and legroom for average-size passengers, but cargo space is only average at 25.8 cubic feet. Compare that to the Subaru Forester’s 35.4 cubic feet or the Honda CR-V’s 39.2 and you get the idea.

The original Jeep Cherokee grille and headlight design was jettisoned last year. It was definitely a love-it-or-hate-it look. In its place, the 2020 Cherokee touts a more traditional nose, with new LED headlights sandwiched into a slim enclosure that mimics the Compass and Grand Cherokee. Overall, the appearance is a bit tidier but also not as bold. The 2020 Cherokee is a solidly handsome compact SUV, even if it’s not a beauty queen like the Mazda CX-5. We especially like the rugged looks of the Trailhawk, with its beefy tires, blacked-out hood, and red tow hooks projecting from its lower-profile bumper.

2.0-LITER TURBO
With the available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, Jeep’s 2020 Cherokee compact SUV now has acceleration that bests most 4-cylinder rivals without a noticeable reduction in fuel economy. The only drawback may be the price, at just over $2,200, the upgrade is $500 more than the V6

TRAILHAWK
Equipped with Jeep’s most sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk rides higher than the base Cherokee and includes such features as protective plating, tow hooks and aggressive off-road tires. More than just looking the part, the Trailhawk is designed to ford up to 20 inches of water, tackle rugged boulder-strewn courses and plod undaunted through deep snow.

The base-model 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 17-inch steel wheels. The 7-inch Uconnect 4 screen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth, three USB ports, and the display for the rearview camera.

Along with hill-start assist and start/stop, the base Latitude also comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection standard; those last are usually upgrades at this price level. There’s also standard air conditioning, plus the 6-way manually adjustable seats covered in durable cloth, a black-and-white digital info display between the gauges, and keyless entry. If you get all-wheel drive (AWD), Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction-management system is part of the package.

The most obvious options are related to the drivetrain. The base 4-cylinder can (and should) be skipped in favor of either the V6 or, even better, the new turbocharged 4-cylinder. Various AWD systems are also available, with the Jeep Active Drive Lock reserved for Trailhawk models. Other options come as you climb the trim ladder.

The Limited models get a larger Uconnect screen, leather upholstery and power-adjustable driver and passenger seats. The luxurious Overland comes standard with the 3.2-liter V6, plus navigation, an upgraded audio system, and generally nicer interior trim. The trail-rated Trailhawk model adds under-body skidplates, a more aggressive AWD system, upgraded suspension, and other enhancements to make it more capable off road.

The Cherokee’s standard engine is a 180-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that is neither refined nor efficient. The Cherokee’s weight makes this engine an undesirable choice, although it does keep the price in line with the competition. You’d be better off with either the 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 or the 270-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo.

While horsepower for these two options is nearly identical, the turbo offers 56 additional lb-ft of torque needed for passing and rapid acceleration, and it does it all with fuel-economy figures nearly identical to the base 2.4-liter engine. However, the more fuel-thirsty V6 is still the engine to have for towing and hauling, with a 4,500-pound tow rating that exceeds the turbo by 500 pounds.

All engines come connected to a 9-speed automatic that’s reasonably smooth, but often slow to respond; it’s better with the V6 and turbocharged engines. All-wheel drive is also available with all three engines, depending on which model you choose.

2.4-liter inline-4
180 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
171 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg (FWD), 21/29 mpg (AWD)

3.2-liter V6
271 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
239 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (FWD), 19/27 mpg (AWD), 18/26 mpg (Active Drive II), 18/24 mpg (Trailhawk)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
270 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (FWD), 21/29 mpg (AWD), 20/27 mpg (Active Drive II), 20/26 mpg (Trailhawk)