2020 Jeep Cherokee Review: Should I Buy?
2020 Jeep Cherokee Review: Should I Buy?
Posted on September 21, 2020
The size of the compact SUV market means there's a model to suit almost any buyer. Whether you're looking for a luxurious family carrier that tears up the highway, or a super-compact car for easy city driving, there'll be a crossover out there for you.
However, when it comes to genuine off-road excellence that's true to the roots of the Sport Utility Vehicle, then there's a little less choice in today's Canadian market. One potential option is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Should you buy it?
Engine and Performance
If you're hoping to tackle challenging terrain with ease, you'll need plenty of power under the hood. The base Cherokee model comes with a 180 horsepower engine which does the job but isn't hugely inspiring.
If your budget allows, it's far better to trade up to either the turbo-4 option with 270hp or the V6 which provides 271hp. Both of these will increase the off-road performance substantially, and also make city and highway duties more comfortable.
Off-Road Ability
The Cherokee's performance really comes into its own once you take it away from the pavement. Whether you're faced with muddy dirt tracks or all-out off-road terrain, the suspension, brakes, and relatively heavy chassis weight mean this SUV can roll with the punches without complaint.
The Cherokee can't quite match the off-road capability of Jeep's Wrangler Rubicon, for example, but it's hard to find a compact SUV from any other manufacturer which comes even close.
Interior and Technology
However, even off-road adventurers appreciate a comfortable ride. The first impressions of the Cherokee are good, with surprisingly comfortable seats for what's overall an SUV built for ruggedness rather than a luxury.
Even more impressive is the 2020 Cherokee's infotainment system, built around a 7" touchscreen featuring the widely respected Uconnect interface, coupled with a six-speaker audio system and full smartphone connectivity.
Should I Buy a 2020 Jeep Cherokee? Review Conclusion:
Only you can decide whether a Cherokee is an SUV for you. It's true that competing vehicles from other manufacturers can offer a smoother highway experience. And if you're looking for a city car for daily grocery shopping, then the Cherokee probably isn't a good fit.
But if your definition of SUV tends more toward sport than utility, then the 2020 Jeep Cherokee's excellent off-road performance is hard to beat, especially with the meatier engine options. Include the comfortable seats and surprisingly user-friendly infotainment system, and this compact SUV is a winner.