2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was accentuated by exposed hinges and bolts, and the option to fold down the windshield and remove the doors. The removable top added to its rugged persona, making it more of a "recreational utility vehicle" than a commuter car. Inside, the Wrangler featured a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, emphasizing utility over luxury. The trims ranged from the basic Sport with manual windows and locks to the upscale Sahara and the off-road king, Rubicon.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with a more proportioned look despite its short grille and swept-back headlights. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded crossover market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee. Its optional panoramic sunroof added a touch of luxury, making it a distinctive choice among compact SUVs.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a base 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, provided impressive low-speed performance and better fuel economy, achieving 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined. Despite its rough ride and road noise, the Wrangler excelled off-road with features like locking differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Cherokee's acceleration was adequate, with the V6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. The Trailhawk trim provided notable off-road capabilities with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in FWD, making it a more affordable option for some buyers.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was available in two-door and four-door Unlimited versions. The four-door model, which was more popular, featured removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and various roof options, including a retractable soft top and a three-piece hardtop. With the rear bench folded flat, the Wrangler Unlimited offered about 72 cubic feet of cargo space, less than many less-capable SUVs. Despite its limited cargo space, the Wrangler's unique features and off-road capabilities made it a standout choice.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee filled a niche between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee. It offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than many competitors. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior varied by trim level, from the basic Latitude with rubberized black plastic to the upscale Trailhawk with suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim featured perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more premium feel.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims came with a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system added navigation, HD Radio, real-time traffic and weather updates, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an Alpine premium audio system.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and Latitude LUX trims, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the Limited and Trailhawk trims. Both screen sizes supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa integration, and remote start. The user-friendly interface and easy access to climate controls made the Cherokee's infotainment system a standout feature.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came standard with airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages included rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning. These features were particularly useful given the Wrangler's awkward sightlines.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crashworthiness categories but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was available on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.