Virtually nothing has changed about the Jeep Cherokee for the 2020 model year, but you can be confident that you’re getting your money’s worth. In a number of ways, the competition has a ways to go before they catch up. Everyone knows that Jeep has a reputation for being off-roading friendly and the Cherokee is no exception. We’re also impressed with its potent engines, superb suspension, and intuitive technology. We’ll give you the run-down of what makes this one of the best compact sport utility vehicles on today’s market.
What’s New for 2020?
Not much has changed on the Jeep Cherokee, which is not too surprising given its major overhaul in 2019. Still, there’s a new an Advanced Safety Group package that comes with lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Jeep also introduces two eye-catching new paint colors for 2020: Sangria and Spitfire Orange.
Driving Impressions
For all the ink that’s been spilled about Jeeps’ off-roading capabilities, we’re pretty happy with Cherokee’s performance too. You won’t float or feel sluggish. Instead, there’s good feedback from the road, but not enough to send your teeth rattling. The wheel is balanced and properly weighted. Braking is quick and easy and everyday driving just feels good.
Off-roading is awesome, as expected. You don’t expect much from a vehicle this small, which is why the Cherokee is a pleasant surprise. We recommend the Trailhawk trim for those who want to maximize their off-roading experience, or going for the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee. More on the Cherokee Trailhawk later.
What Are My Trim Options?
You can start with the Cherokee Latitude for $25,740. Buying the base trim level nets you 17-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, 60/40-split folding rear seatback, Bluetooth, rearview camera, USB ports, 7-inch touchscreen, and six-speaker audio system, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone connectivity. There’s also a Latitude Plus for a little more leather and a lot more safety and tech features.
We recommend the Limited trim level for a good mix of affordability and fun. You grab the entire Latitude package, plus leather upholstery, upgraded driver display in the gauge cluster, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and nine-speaker audio system.
The Overland trim 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, navigation system, and HD radio. Finally, the Trailhawk is an off-roading fever dream with an advanced all-wheel-drive system (Active Drive II with Active Drive Lock), wider wheels and all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, off-road-oriented suspension tuning, locking rear differential, hill ascent and descent control, skid plates, tow hooks, and custom upholstery. Which Cherokee is right for you, only you can tell. But there’s a lot to love, no matter which one you get.