2020 Jeep Cherokee

 An SUV with Altitude!

Jeep has a reputation for its off-road prowess, and the 2020 Jeep Cherokee was designed to play in the dirt. Positioned as a compact, crossover-SUV, the Cherokee may not have the same level of all-terrain capability as the Wrangler or Grand Cherokee, however, it does offer more off-road skills than many of its competitors.

Pricing and Trims
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is available in multiple trim levels: Latitude 2WD ($27,335), Latitude 4WD ($28,835), Latitude Plus 2WD ($29,090), Latitude Plus 4WD ($30,590), Limited 2WD  ($33,095), Limited 4WD  ($36,340), Trailhawk 4WD ($36,250), Overland 2WD ($38,490), and Overland 4WD ($39,990). The 2020 Cherokee is also available with the following appearance packages: Upland (on Latitude models), Altitude (on Latitude Plus models), and High Altitude (on Limited models).

What’s New for 2020?
Since the Cherokee experienced a major redesign in 2019,  it only receives some minor updates for the 2020 model year, including the addition of Amazon Alexa to its upgraded infotainment system. Other spectacular offerings: expanding the availability of safety features (Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, rain-sensing wipers), and new upholstery (Ski Grey interior available on Latitude Plus model), paint colors (Sangria and Spitfire Orange exterior paint colors), and wheel options (19-inch wheel on Limited model).

Interior Highpoints
My test vehicle was the Cherokee Limited 4WD with the High-Altitude package ($1,785). Its interior was comfortable and stylish with button and knobs which were placed well and functioned great. The dash was padded and incorporated, as well as upgraded to an 8.4-inch infotainment screen as compared to the standard 7.0-inch. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that come as standard features.  Rear cargo space ranges from 24.6 to 29.1 cubic feet depending on the second-row seat positioning and then increases to 54.9 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.

The High Altitude package included numerous body-colored elements, as well as leather-trimmed bucket seats, Tungsten interior accent stitching, GPS navigation, granite crystal roof rails, HD™ Radio, SiriusXM® radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi host spot, 8.4-inch infotainment screen, 19-inch wheels and more…  

The Cherokee comes standard with cloth seats and manual seat adjustment, 17-inch wheels, and Bluetooth phone and audio functionality. The Latitude Plus trim offers additional features including vinyl upholstery, power driver seat, satellite radio, fog lights, and additional USB charging ports. The Limited trim level increases the comfort level with a power liftgate, 18-inch wheels, power folding mirrors, and leather seats with heat (front seats). The Overland trim adds Nappa leather upholstery with both heating and cooling in the front, a rear cargo cover, satellite navigation with traffic info, 19-inch wheels, and other features. 

Exterior Highlights
I found the exterior to be attractive with enough styling traits that would entice buyers of all genders. In fact, it appears to take on styling characteristics of its big brother, the Grand Cherokee. When the Cherokee first arrived on the scene it embraced an extremely-boxy shape. Those days are long over as the silhouette of today’s Cherokee has carved out smooth flowing edges modernizing its bold stance. The front lightweight aluminum hood evolves the Cherokee’s unique waterfall grille design to showcase the latest Jeep brand styling. Front bi-LED projector headlamps incorporate Cherokee’s daytime running lamps.

Performance Specs
There are 3 engine options available starting with the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower with 171 pound-feet of torque. There is a second 4-cylinder offering in the form of the relatively new 2.0-liter turbo creating 270 hp and 295 lb.-ft of torque. Option 3 is a 3.2-liter V-6 generating 271 hp and 239 lb.-ft of torque and best-in-class V-6 towing capability at 4,500 pounds. All three engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive is the standard drive system with 4-wheel drive as an option.

Cool Features:

• Excellent off-road ability
  Sharp infotainment system

Safety & Integrity
The NHTSA gave the 2020 Cherokee 4 stars overall with a 4-star front crash and rollover test ratings. Jeep offers a safety equipment package on all Cherokee including lane-departure warnings with active lane control, rain-sensing wipers, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, but fails to make much of the safety equipment standard features as its competitors have done.

In Summary – The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a stylish SUV that satisfies the hunger of folks who desire to take the hill less traveled. It offers different engine options to fit the needs of most on and off-road buyers. The interior is well-appointed, as you advance into the higher-level trims with technology to match competitors. If you are looking for a capable SUV/Crossover for your daily trips and weekend hill-bound adventures, then the 2020 Cherokee is worth a stop at a Jeep dealership.

Specifications.

2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4WD with the High-Altitude package

Base price:	$34,595 as driven: $42,715 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	3.2-liter V-6 6-Cylinder
Horsepower:	271 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:	239 lb. – ft. @ 4400 rpm
Transmission:	9-speed automatic transmission
Drive:	Four Wheel Drive
Seating:	5-passenger
Cargo Volume:	24.4 cu. ft.
Curb weight:	3,960 pounds
Fuel Capacity:	15.8 gallons
Fuel Economy:	18 MPG City, 24 MPG Highway
Turning Radius:	37.7 feet
Wheelbase:	106.6 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also Consider:	GMC Terrain Denali, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Lincoln Corsair, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4