2020 Jeep Cherokee Stays Class-Competitive

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.

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 Edmunds' 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.