2020 Jeep Cherokee

2020 Jeep Cherokee Highlights

Building on the substantial updates from the previous year, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee refines its offering with minor enhancements, focusing on safety and convenience features.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Three engine options: 2.4-liter inline-4, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, and 3.2-liter V6
• Nine-speed automatic transmission standard across all editions
• Available Selec-Terrain traction management system
• Trailhawk trim for enhanced off-road capability
• Choice of front-wheel drive or three 4x4 systems (varying by trim)

Benefits

• Expanded safety features with the new Advanced Safety Group
• Versatile engine lineup to suit various driving needs
• Off-road prowess, especially in Trailhawk trim
• User-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration
• Comfortable ride quality for daily driving

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2020 Jeep Cherokee Overview

Performance

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee offers three engine choices, each paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission:

2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 inline-4:

• 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on Latitude and Latitude Plus trims

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4:

• 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque
• Optional on Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims

3.2-liter Pentastar V6:

• 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on Limited, Trailhawk, and Overland trims

The Cherokee offers four drivetrain configurations:

• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Jeep Active Drive I (single-speed 4x4)
• Jeep Active Drive II (two-speed 4x4 with low range)
• Jeep Active Drive Lock (Trailhawk exclusive, includes a locking rear differential)

2020 Jeep Cherokee towing capacity:

• 2.4-liter: Up to 2,000 lbs
• 2.0-liter Turbo: Up to 4,000 lbs
• 3.2-liter V6: Up to 4,500 lbs

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2020 Cherokee a four-star (out of five) overall safety rating. Further, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2020 Cherokee, which, when equipped with front crash prevention and upgraded headlights, is a Top Safety Pick, the group’s second-highest designation.

Standard safety features across all 2020 Cherokee trims include:

• Eight airbags, including driver and front passenger knee airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Hill start assist
• Trailer sway control (on adequately equipped models)
• Rearview camera

The newly available Advanced Safety Group package enhances the Cherokee's safety credentials, adding:

• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Other available driver assistance features include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Parallel and perpendicular park assist
• Automatic high-beam headlamps

Driving

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee delivers on-road comfort and off-road capability. Its unibody construction provides a smoother, more car-like ride than body-on-frame SUVs, making it well-suited for daily commutes and long highway trips.

Performance varies across the engine lineup. The base 2.4-liter engine provides adequate power for urban driving but may feel strained during highway passing or when fully loaded. The 2.0-liter turbocharged option offers punchier acceleration and improved towing capacity, while the 3.2-liter V6 delivers smooth power delivery and the highest towing rating.

Off-road performance is a Cherokee strong suit, particularly in the Trailhawk trim. With its increased ground clearance, skid plates, and off-road-focused 4x4 system, the Trailhawk can confidently tackle challenging trails. The Selec-Terrain system allows drivers to optimize traction for various conditions, enhancing the Cherokee's versatility.

Interior

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee's interior combines functionality with comfort. The cabin design is straightforward and user-friendly, with controls placed for easy access.

The Cherokee's front seats provide good comfort and support for long drives, with ample head and legroom. Rear passengers benefit from a sliding and reclining second row. Material quality is generally good, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and durable plastics elsewhere. Higher trims like the Limited and Overland feature more premium materials, including Nappa leather upholstery.

Key interior features include:

• Cloth upholstery standard, with leather available on higher trims
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Available 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Dual-zone automatic climate control (on select trims)
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available heated steering wheel

Cargo capacity: 25.8 cubic feet behind rear seats, 54.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded

Technology

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee has the well-regarded Uconnect infotainment system. Other key technology features include:

• Standard 7-inch or available 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming
• Available navigation system
• Available 9-speaker Alpine premium audio system
• Standard rearview camera

Higher trims offer additional tech features:

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• Configurable 7-inch full-color driver information display
• Proximity keyless entry with push-button start

Fuel Economy

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee offers competitive fuel economy ratings, varying by powertrain. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2.4-liter inline-4 engine:

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine:

• FWD (mpg): 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined

3.2-liter V6 engine:

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined

2020 Jeep Cherokee Reviews

2020 Jeep Cherokee consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book have an average rating of 3.9 out of 5, a mid-tier score. The ranking is consistent with owner marks for reliability, value, and performance.

Reasons to Buy It

• Capable off-road performance, especially in Trailhawk trim
• Smooth and quiet on-road ride
• User-friendly Uconnect infotainment system
• Available V6 engine with strong towing capacity
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Advanced safety features with new package option
• Jeep's iconic styling and brand appeal

Problems

• Fuel economy lags behind some competitors
• The base engine can feel underpowered
• Cargo space is smaller than some rivals
• Higher trims can get expensive
• Nine-speed transmission can be hesitant at times

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CoPilot's Take

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee carves a unique niche in the crowded compact SUV market. It's a vehicle of contrasts—equally at home on city streets and rugged trails. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, outshines many rivals when the pavement ends.

Under the hood, the Cherokee offers variety. The V6 option is a rarity in this class, appealing to those prioritizing towing or smooth power delivery. However, the base engine struggles, especially under load.

Inside, the Cherokee strikes a balance between comfort and utility. The sliding rear seats are thoughtful, but cargo space falls short of class leaders. The Uconnect system remains a high point, offering intuitive controls and crisp graphics.

Fuel efficiency is the Cherokee's Achilles' heel. Even with recent improvements, it lags behind many competitors. This could be a dealbreaker for the efficiency-minded.

2020 Jeep Cherokee FAQs

Is the Jeep Cherokee 2020 a good car?

From a feature standpoint, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee can be considered a good car, particularly for those who value off-road capability and a comfortable ride. It offers a range of engine options, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a well-designed interior. However, its appeal depends on individual needs and preferences. While it excels in off-road performance and offers a smooth on-road ride, it lags behind some competitors in fuel economy and cargo space.

Are there any issues with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee's reliability record is mixed. While J.D. Power gives it an 87 out of 100 for quality and reliability, a review of NHTSA records shows some trouble spots. In particular, the 2020 Cherokee has a history of engine, transmission, and electrical system troubles. This doesn’t mean every example is problematic, but buyers should get a thorough pre-purchase inspection before signing any paperwork for a 2020 Jeep Cherokee.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Jeep?

To date, there are two recalls for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee:

1. Due to a software error, the rearview camera image may remain displayed after shifting out of reverse, potentially distracting the driver and increasing crash risk (April 2, 2020).
2. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control and increasing the crash risk (August 29, 2019).

How many miles does a 2020 Jeep Cherokee get?

The fuel efficiency of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration:

• 2.4-liter inline-4 (FWD): Up to 22 city / 31 highway mpg
• 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 (FWD): Up to 23 city / 31 highway mpg
• 3.2-liter V6 (FWD): Up to 20 city / 29 highway mpg

4x4 models generally get 1-2 mpg less. Depending on driving conditions and chosen configuration, a 15.8-gallon fuel tank translates to a range of approximately 350-450 miles on a full tank.

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