2019 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a notable transformation from its previous design, which many found polarizing. Originally conceived during the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merger, its styling borrowed some cues from Fiat models like the Fiat 500L, 500X, and the overseas Fiat Panda. This background made sense when considering the Cherokee's somewhat unconventional past look, especially front-end features like separated daytime running lights and headlights. The 2019 model, however, embraced a more conventional design, replacing the unique front-end features with a standard headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration.

From the rear, the Cherokee of yesteryear also stood out but not always in favorable ways. Jeep repositioned the license plate frame area to the center of the rear hatch, giving it a more standard appearance for modern compact SUVs. Within the cabin, Jeep smartly retained the previous year’s layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee. The control layout was intuitive, with many storage compartments, making the Cherokee practical for everyday use.

Buyers had several trims to choose from: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite. The base Latitude trim came with essential features like a 7-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. The Latitude Plus added more comfort features like 17-inch aluminum wheels, premium vinyl seats, and an 8-way power driver's seat. The Limited trim included 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather seating, and an upgraded Uconnect touchscreen. The Overland trim emphasized luxury with added chrome and unique styling elements. For off-road enthusiasts, the Trailhawk provided additional ground clearance, dark accents, and unique paint options.

In contrast, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox sported a tighter, more streamlined interior compared to its previous iterations. However, interior space was a bit of a drawback, especially with a cargo capacity of just 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat. This was a challenge in a competitive market, but Chevrolet countered with a starting price of $23,800. It’s worth noting, however, that this price applied to the base L trim, which was rarely available on dealer lots and lacked features like a spare tire and comprehensive paint options. For more practical choices, buyers typically began with the LS trim, which added a spare tire, a compass, and a handful of additional paint options for an extra $2,100.

Higher trims such as the LT included features like a power driver’s seat, tinted rear windows, and more. Nonetheless, advanced safety features were mostly confined to the top-tier Premier trim, making the fully loaded models potentially quite expensive.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, starting with the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and FWD versions of the Limited. The established 3.2-liter V6 engine, generating 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, came standard on the 4WD Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk but was available across the lower trims.

New for 2019, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine made an impression with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Although not available on the base Latitude, it provided solid performance across other trims, albeit with some noise during acceleration.

The Cherokee was equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission standard across all models, distributing power to either the front wheels or all four. The available Active Drive I system was akin to the AWD systems seen in other crossovers, while Active Drive II added low-range capabilities and was optional on specific trims. Active Drive Lock, featuring a locking rear differential for intense off-road conditions, was exclusive to the Trailhawk trim.

The Jeep’s Terrain Management System allowed drivers to adjust drivetrain settings, enhancing performance in varying conditions. Options included Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand and Mud, with Trailhawk adding Rock mode. For towing, the Cherokee V6 could manage up to 4,500 pounds, while the turbo engine allowed for 4,000 pounds—comparatively higher than many rivals.

In terms of fuel economy, the most efficient Cherokee variant was the FWD turbo, returning an estimated 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined. The Trailhawk, especially with the V6, offered lower efficiency at 18/24/21 mpg city/highway/combined but still matched expectations for its rugged capabilities.

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox presented three engine choices, starting with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This combo returned an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 32 highway in FWD form. However, performance fell short when the car was loaded with passengers or cargo.

The LT trim, considered the practical starting point, provided access to the 1.6-liter turbodiesel and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The turbodiesel offered substantial torque at 240 lb-ft but limited towing capacity. The 2.0-liter turbo engine, with 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, used GM's newer 9-speed automatic transmission. Although promising fuel efficiency of 22 mpg city and 28 highway in AWD form, real-world tests often showed lower returns, particularly in hilly or aggressive driving conditions.

A significant drawback of the Equinox's drivetrain was the 9-speed transmission’s performance at lower speeds, where gear switching was frequent and sometimes rough. This was less of an issue in more consistent driving conditions like highway commutes but stood out in daily stop-and-go traffic.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s interior continued to impress with its practical design and smart control layout. Shared with other models, the layout allowed for easy control adjustments without needing to take eyes off the road, and storage solutions like deep door pockets, a tray by the shifter, and a spacious center console were ample and well-placed.

For 2019, the Cherokee also introduced an optional hands-free power liftgate—an excellent feature when carrying gear. However, with just 25 cubic feet of cargo space (54 cubic feet with seats down), the Cherokee lagged behind many competitors—like the Honda CR-V, which boasted 37 cubic feet (75 cubic feet with seats down) for cargo.

Materials inside the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox raised some concerns, especially at higher price points where the overall quality didn't always justify the cost. Visible gaps between interior panels were troublesome, though the seat cloth material was a positive highlight, reflecting higher quality than previous generations.

Despite the tighter interior from the redesign, the Equinox still offered ample room for taller passengers in both front and rear seats. However, the cargo space at 29.9 cubic feet (63.5 cubic feet with seats down) lagged behind many competitors but was generally adequate for everyday needs.

Jeep Cherokee's 2019 lineup now included a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen as standard on Latitude and Latitude Plus trims, with more luxurious trims getting an 8.3-inch screen. This updated Uconnect system boasted improved graphics, faster responsiveness, and user-friendly customization options. Even without the bells and whistles like wireless charging or gesture control, Uconnect stood out as a reliable and intuitive interface compared to others.

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox saw significant tech upgrades with a new infotainment system, HD camera options, LED lights for LT trim, and enhancements to the 8-inch touchscreen system offering more user-friendly navigation, though response lag was a minor downside. Many charging options were provided through USB ports and a 120-volt outlet from various packages. Nevertheless, features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and blind-spot monitoring required pricey package additions for mid-tier trims, potentially limiting buyer flexibility.

The Jeep Cherokee came standard with comprehensive safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, a rear-view camera, electronic stability control, and more. Optional SafetyTec Groups for Latitude and Latitude Plus trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection. Higher trims offered an optional Technology Group, adding advanced features like forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The Chevrolet Equinox excelled in safety tests by both government agencies and independent testers, although the headlights received Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The LT trim’s new Lights and Bright package improved visibility with LED lights. Yet, crucial safety features like blind-spot monitoring were only standard in the Premier trim and optional in the LT. Advanced safety options like adaptive cruise and pedestrian detection required the top trims and came at a significant cost.