You’re looking to buy a new vehicle; in particular, you’re interested in buying a Jeep. However, you’re wondering: what wins the battle of Jeep Cherokee vs. Wrangler?
Sure, the Jeep Wrangler has that classic Jeep look, but the Cherokee’s performance is right on par. Not to mention, the Cherokee offers more cargo space. The comparison is close, to say the least.
Alas, it’s for this reason that we’re going to examine the two in detail below to demonstrate how they measure up. Read on to find out which vehicle is right for you.
Exterior
The exteriors of the Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler have similarities. For instance, their grilles are almost identical. But overall, they’re very different looking vehicles.
The Wrangler has more of a traditional Jeep look. It’s boxy, it’s angular, and it’s risen quite a bit off of its wheels.
The Cherokee, on the other hand, has more of an SUV look. This is to say that it’s sleeker, more rounded, and sits relatively close to the wheels.
There’s no clear winner in this department. Aesthetic preferences are primarily subjective, after all. So, give a look at both and see which one fits your preferences.
Interior
As far as their interiors go, the Cherokee and Wrangler are essentially the same. At their max they provide 5 seats, all of which possess ample head and leg room. Note that the Wrangler comes with a 4-seat model, as well.
Each vehicle is available with a variety of trims. So, whether you want cloth leather upholstery, you can get either.
Both vehicles provide ample storage space, along with a variety of storage compartments. We should also note that both have fold down back seats, which allows for even more storage space.
Suspension
Next, we’ll discuss each vehicle’s suspension. Simply put, the Jeep Wrangler’s suspension performance is better for off-roading than the Cherokee’s. It sits higher, is better equipped to absorb shocks, and can easily handle rough and rocky terrains.
Now, this isn’t to say that the Cherokee’s suspension can’t handle off-roading. Quite the contrary–in fact; it’s one of the best off-roading SUVs in existence. But if you’re buying a vehicle specifically for off-roading purposes, the Jeep Wrangler is the better option.
Power
You’re probably curious about each vehicle’s power capabilities. Though they’re available in a variety of trims, each of which has its own capabilities. Overall, the Cherokee is the more powerful vehicle. Its weakest trim still produces up to 293HP, with its most powerful trim reaching an astounding 707 HP.
In comparison, the Wrangler produces between 260 and 285 HP. This is plenty powerful for most purposes, but falls short overall. Whereas the Cherokee can tow between 3,500 and 7,200 lbs, the Wrangler tows only between 2,000 and 3,500 lbs.
So, in essence, the Cherokee is more of a towing vehicle. If you’re looking for something to haul a trailer with, opt for the Cherokee over the Wrangler.
Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, both vehicles are relatively comparable. However, the Cherokee is a more fuel-efficient vehicle than the Wrangler.
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets 31 miles to the gallon on the highway and 23 miles to the gallon in the city. The 2020 Wrangler gets 29 miles to the gallon on the highway and 22 miles to the gallon in the city.
These are efficient numbers for both vehicles. Whether you’re traveling long distances or staying close to home, you won’t be burning much gas.
Safety
Next, we’ll discuss safety. On the whole, both vehicles are quite safe. They were each awarded 4 out of 5 stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
So, while there are vehicles that provide a greater level of safety, these are considered sufficient.
Note, each is available with a variety of safety features. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, to name just a few.
Warranty
These vehicles’ warranties are similar, but have some nuances. Both come with a 3 year, 36,000-mile standard warranty.
However, the two cars’ powertrain warranties differ. Whereas the Cherokee has a 5 year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, the Wrangler has a 5 year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Recreation
Perhaps the biggest difference between the Wrangler and the Cherokee is in their recreational capabilities. Whereas the Cherokee is a fairly straightforward SUV with an above-average suspension system, the Wrangler is a vehicle practically designed for recreation.
Its most notable features are its takeaway roof and removable doors. They can both be taken off as desired, making the vehicle something of a convertible. Whether you need to bundle up for winter or let the sun in during the summertime, a Wrangler will serve you well.
Price
Both the Cherokee and the Wrangler come in many different trims. These trims are available at a wide variety of prices. The more features you add, the more you can expect to pay.
For comparison’s sake, let’s discuss the costs of their base trims. The base trim for the 2020 Cherokee MSRPs sits at $25,840. The base trim for the 2020 Wrangler MSRPs totals $28,295.
Both of these costs are comparable to similar vehicles on the market. So, there’s no reason to let their price dissuade you.
Jeep Cherokee vs Wrangler: A Battle With No Clear Winner
When it comes to the battle of Jeep Cherokee vs. Wrangler, there is no clear winner. Both vehicles have their fair share of positive attributes, along with a few drawbacks as well. In the end, it’s all about assessing your specific needs and preferences, and then choosing a vehicle that best suits them.
In any case, owning a Jeep can be quite beneficial. They perform terrifically both on-road and off-road, making them some of the most versatile vehicles in existence.
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