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. RELATED: Best Compact SUVs of 2020#13 in Best Compact SUVs of 2020
Used 2020 Jeep Cherokee Pricing
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with front-wheel drive starts at about $27,235, including the surprisingly high $1,495 destination charge. But you’ll probably skip it, and the $28,890 Latitude Plus in favor of the Limited, which starts at $32,845. A Trailhawk will put you back about $36,000, while the luxurious Overland starts at around $38,000. All-wheel drive adds about $1,500 to the price of the Cherokee, and the V6 adds about $1,750 to the bottom line, with the new turbo adding $500 over that. Jeep gets a little wonky with its drivetrain options; for example, for AWD on a Limited you must get the V6. Among its compact-SUV rivals, starting prices for the Cherokee are higher than the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe, as well as the Subaru Forester that comes standard with AWD and a full suite of driver assists. Comparably equipped versions of the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 are roughly priced in the same ballpark. Before buying, be sure to check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others paid in your area, and note that the Cherokee generally has lower resale value than many of its competitors. RELATED: Best Compact SUVs of 2020
Which Model is Right for Me?
2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude
Blind-spot monitor & rear cross-path detection
17-inch wheels
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Cruise control
Heated mirrors
2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus
Keyless entry and push-button start 8-way-power driver’s seat with power lumbar Cloth & vinyl seating ParkSense rear park assist with stop
2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Dual-zone climate control Power liftgate Leather seating Power passenger seat 8.4-inch touch screen Heated seats & steering wheel
2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
3.2-liter V6
17-inch all-terrain tires
Off-road suspension & skidplate protection
Selec-Terrain AWD with crawl control & rock mode
Active Drive II with locking rear axle
Driving the Used 2020 Jeep Cherokee
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.
Interior Comfort
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.
Exterior Styling
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.
Favorite Features
2.0-LITER TURBO TRAILHAWK
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
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.
Standard Features
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.
Factory Options
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.
Engine & Transmission
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)
KBB Vehicle Review and Rating Methodology
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings. We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology. Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
More About How We Rate Vehicles
FAQs
What was the cost of a Jeep Cherokee in 2020? ›
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with front-wheel drive starts at about $27,235, including the surprisingly high $1,495 destination charge. But you'll probably skip it, and the $28,890 Latitude Plus in favor of the Limited, which starts at $32,845.
How many miles can a 2020 Jeep Cherokee last? ›Recommended Jeep Grand Cherokee Service Intervals
We know the answer to, “How many miles can a Jeep Grand Cherokee last?” is around 200,000 miles. But, what can you do to make sure your Grand Cherokee can get there? It's simple, keep up with maintenance and use genuine OEM parts.
2021 Jeep Cherokee Value - $18,904-$35,556 | Edmunds.
What is my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited worth? ›2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Value - $21,783-$84,178 | Edmunds.
What is the best Jeep to buy 2020? ›- The Compass. The 2020 Jeep Compass has outstanding capabilities and safety features. ...
- The Cherokee. For more space, choose the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. ...
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 2020 Grand Cherokee is versatile and luxurious, and it has even more space than the Cherokee.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
What is the biggest problem with Jeep Cherokee? ›Transmission Problems
These models suffer from stuck gears, poor throttle response, and rough coasting. There were also incidents of delayed downshifting and erratic behavior that caused Jeeps to switch between gears unexpectedly. Complete transmission failure has also been reported as early as 70,000 miles.
Though some Cherokees have driven over 300,000 miles, most drivers should expect to see very serious problems begin to pile up at about 175,000 miles.
What is the best year for Jeep Cherokee? ›The best years for the Jeep Cherokee include those from 2018 and 2020. These have fewer problems and have the highest owner ratings. Be wary of Cherokees from 2016 and 2017, as well as post-refresh models from 2019 over a few hiccups concerning a new engine option.
Which Cherokee model is the best? ›The recommended spec
Edmunds thinks the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is the best bet for most people. It has the features that SUV buyers seek and provides access to some of the model's more appealing options.
Which engine is best in Jeep Cherokee? ›
4.0L I6. Of all the Jeep engines in all the world, the 4.0L inline six-cylinder is by far the most famous.
Are Jeep Cherokees worth it? ›Yes, the Jeep Cherokee is a good SUV that offers a decent amount of passenger space, a comfortable ride and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Cherokee Trailhawk is an off-road fiend that also benefits from a capable turbocharged engine.
How is Jeep resale value? ›When you purchase a new Jeep, your ride will retain a bulk of its value for the first 5 years of ownership. It can even keep 70% or more of its base MSRP in its first 3 years while others tend to lose 30% by the end of the first year.
What is the best year for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited? ›There are plenty of years to choose from with this vehicle. However, if you're looking for the best year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, we recommend the 2015 model. This version offers luxuries and technologies found in more recent versions but provides them at a much lower price point.
What is the difference between a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and a Jeep Cherokee Limited? ›The most notable difference between the two is size. The Jeep Cherokee is a small crossover SUV, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV.
What is the most desirable Jeep? ›The Grand Cherokee is Jeep's midsize crossover SUV. It's perennially the best-selling vehicle Jeep makes. And the fifth generation is all-new for the 2022 model year.
What are the most sought after Jeeps? ›Classic “CJ” Jeeps built between 1946 and 1986 are some of the most popular and recognizable classic vehicles in the United States, right up there with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette in terms of general appeal.
Do 2020 Jeeps have problems? ›The 2020 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for issues with the fuel system twice. Most recently, the SUV was included in a recall for faulty low pressure fuel pumps in over 60,000 diesel-powered Jeep and Ram vehicles. More concerning, however, was a 2021 fuel leak recall for over 14,000 Wranglers.
Do 2020 Jeep Cherokees have Easter eggs? ›Do all Jeeps have a hidden Easter egg? Most recently manufactured Jeeps do. The Jeep Renegade, Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Gladiator all have a hidden Easter egg.
Does Jeep fix recalls for free? ›When the owner notification is received, any authorized Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM dealer can repair affected vehicles, free of charge. FCA US LLC is recalling heavy-duty trucks in the U.S. to address a potential steering-linkage issue.
Which Jeep Cherokee to avoid? ›
The fifth generation of the Jeep Cherokee had a rough start. The first three model years were accompanied by many widespread issues in lower mileages. If you don't want to spend fortunes on engine and transmission overhauls, it's best if you avoid 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years.
Is Jeep discontinuing the Cherokee? ›A representative from Jeep told Car and Driver that the Cherokee will remain in production at Belvidere Assembly through the end of February 2023, and the models being produced now are 2023 models.
What is high mileage for a Jeep Cherokee? ›Jeep Grand Cherokee is a Reliable Road Beast, but Hitting 150,000 Miles of Longevity May Be a Challenge. There are Jeep Grand Cherokees with 150,000 or more miles.
Do Jeep Cherokees have transmission problems? ›In 2022, Fiat Chrysler issued a recall for 138,645 Jeep Cherokees worldwide after it was discovered that these vehicles lose power unexpectedly due to a transmission issue.
Are Jeeps good cars to buy used? ›Jeep reliability ratings
If you're looking at a used Jeep for sale, you're probably interested in how reliable Jeep models are. According to the trusted non-profit Consumer Reports, Jeep ranked 19 among 26 brands, with a score of 41, just behind Chevrolet with a score of 42 and No. 17 ranking.
2021 Jeep Cherokee Driving Range
With a fuel economy rating of an EPA-estimated 23 city and 31 highway mpg and a maximum fuel tank capacity of 15.8 gallons, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee can put out around 363.4 city miles and 489.8 highway miles per tank of gas.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Pricing
The more rugged Trailhawk trim begins at $41,295. The starting price of the Cherokee is higher than the segment average by a considerable margin. Some competitors with standard all-wheel drive, like the Subaru Forester, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mazda CX-50, all start at under $30,000.
There are four trims to choose from in the Cherokee lineup: X, Latitude LUX, Trailhawk, and Limited. The trim you choose can affect the cabin's interior design and the available engines and off-roading features.
Where is Jeep Cherokee made? ›Illinois. The American midwest is home to the production of many of the most well-known Jeep names. In Belvidere, Illinois, Jeep builds many of the Jeep Cherokee models. Some Cherokee models, including some Jeep Grand Cherokee models, are also built in South America.
Is Cherokee a luxury brand? ›At Rs 77.5 lakh the Grand Cherokee is easily one of the most value-for-money luxury SUVs since it offers a lot of technology at a price which is lesser than the competition along with a tough-looking exterior which is pure Jeep.
What brand makes Jeep engines? ›
The GME family is composed by two new series of engine: one created by FCA Italy (codeproject Giorgio) for Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, and the second (codeproject Hurricane) by FCA US division for American vehicles made by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. Both are produced in Termoli, Italy at the Termoli Powertrain Plant.
Who makes the Jeep Cherokee engine? ›Built by VM Motori and developed together with Fiat Powertrain, a company of Fiat S.p.a., the new 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine produces maximum horsepower of 177 kW (241 hp DIN) at 4,000 rpm and torque of 550 N•m (406 lb-ft) at 1,800-2,800 rpm.
Are Jeep Cherokees good on gas? ›You might not think that a rugged Jeep SUV is capable of earning impressive fuel economy ratings, but the 2022 Jeep Cherokee earns an EPA-estimated up to 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Why is the Jeep Cherokee so popular? ›Its powerful performance, luxurious interior, and hi-tech features allow it to stand out from other SUVs in its class and make it one of the more popular SUVs on the market. If you're interested in getting an SUV and want one of the best available, you should strongly consider the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Are Jeeps selling for over MSRP? ›...
The top five car models getting above MSRP.
| Average % above MSRP | Average amount above MSRP | |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler | 24.4% | $8.4K |
| Porsche Macan | 23.1% | $14.2K |
| Genesis GV70 | 22.4% | $10.3K |
The Jeep Wrangler and its four-door counterpart, the Wrangler Unlimited, hold the top two spots in the list of Vehicles with the Lowest Five-Year Depreciation, with around four times lower depreciation than the average car.
Do Jeep Cherokee have good resale value? ›The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is our top pick for the best model year value for the Cherokee. With the 2021, you would only pay, on average, 83% of the price as new, with 92% of the vehicle's useful life remaining. The 2020 and 2022 model years are also attractive years for the Cherokee, and provide a relatively good value.
Is a Jeep Cherokee latitude or limited better? ›The Latitude has a more rugged feel while the Limited feels a bit more luxe. And the Limited offers the addition of a technology package that has adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and park assist that will park the car for you (you control braking and speed, the Jeep does the rest).
Is Jeep Grand Cherokee considered a luxury car? ›A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is not considered a luxury model. However, the 2021 Grand Cherokee is available with luxurious features on upper trim levels. The Summit trim, for example, is decked out with upgraded leather seating, chrome exterior accents, a 19-speaker sound system, and more.
What was the last year Jeep made the Cherokee? ›| Jeep Cherokee | |
|---|---|
| Model years | 1974–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV (1974–1983) Compact SUV (1984–2012) Compact crossover SUV (2013–present) |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive (1974–2013) Front-engine, front-wheel drive (2013–present) Front-engine, four-wheel drive (1974–present) |
What is better overland or limited? ›
If you select a Limited, it will come standard with 18-inch fully painted aluminum wheels, while the Overland is paired with 20-inch machined face aluminum wheels. The Overland also adds a hands-free power liftgate to make trips to the grocery store easier, while the Limited comes equipped with a power liftgate.
Which is better Laredo or Limited? ›The Laredo model has cloth seats, but the Limited models come with premium leather interiors and heated seats. The Limited also has a heated steering wheel and four different interior color schemes to choose from.
How much bigger is a Grand Cherokee than a Cherokee? ›The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a bigger SUV overall, being 7-inches longer than the Jeep Cherokee. It's only 2.5-inches wider than the Cherokee however, which means you won't likely notice too much when it comes to squeezing into tight parking spaces.
What year used Jeep Cherokee is best? ›The best years for the Jeep Cherokee include those from 2018 and 2020. These have fewer problems and have the highest owner ratings. Be wary of Cherokees from 2016 and 2017, as well as post-refresh models from 2019 over a few hiccups concerning a new engine option.
Why did they stop making Jeep Cherokee? ›The company cites several reasons for the plant being idled, including the COVID-19 pandemic and related supply-chain shortages.
What year did they stop the Jeep Cherokee? ›From 2001-2013, the Cherokee was discontinued and the Jeep Liberty was introduced. In 2014, the Cherokee returned with a brand new designand model.
What year was the last Jeep Cherokee? ›| Jeep Cherokee | |
|---|---|
| Model years | 1974–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV (1974–1983) Compact SUV (1984–2012) Compact crossover SUV (2013–present) |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive (1974–2013) Front-engine, front-wheel drive (2013–present) Front-engine, four-wheel drive (1974–present) |
The recommended spec
Edmunds thinks the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is the best bet for most people. It has the features that SUV buyers seek and provides access to some of the model's more appealing options.
Who owns Jeep? Jeep is an American brand and a division of FCA US LLC, which used to be known as Chrysler Group, LLC. FCA US LLC is an owned subsidiary of the Italian-American corporation and parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which is one of the world's biggest automakers.
Is Jeep losing the Cherokee name? ›Jeep's CEO Carlos Tavares said he was open to dropping the Cherokee name from his popular vehicle line. While this open-minded attitude was welcomed, these talks would ultimately result in no change to the brand.
Is a Jeep Cherokee a real Jeep? ›
The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a sport utility vehicle manufactured and marketed across a single generation by Jeep in the United States from 1983 through 2001 — and globally through 2014. It was available in two- or four-door, five-passenger, front engine, rear- or four-wheel drive configurations.
What did they rename the Jeep Cherokee? ›The Jeep Cherokee remained in production through 2001 and was replaced by the Liberty. In 2013, Jeep announced a return to the name for the Liberty's replacement. The Grand Cherokee was introduced with the 1993 model year.
Where is the Jeep Cherokee built? ›The American midwest is home to the production of many of the most well-known Jeep names. In Belvidere, Illinois, Jeep builds many of the Jeep Cherokee models. Some Cherokee models, including some Jeep Grand Cherokee models, are also built in South America.
What are jeeps known for? ›It's All in a Name: Jeep is known for being the king of off-road vehicles, so it makes sense that the brand takes naming their individual models very seriously. When Jeep designed the Rubicon model of the Wrangler, the brand had difficulty coming up with a name that spoke to the ruggedness of its capabilities.