Most significant changes: More advanced safety features are available across the lineup
Price change: Base Latitude models start $795 higher and the Trailhawk is $560 more; other trims see minor price increases
On sale: Now
Which should you buy, a 2019 or 2020? 2020, but only if you plan to add the optional safety features that were previously unavailable on some model-year 2019 trims. Other than that, the changes for 2020 are mostly cosmetic and not worth the price bump.
Jeep updated its Cherokee compact SUV for model-year 2019 with a powerful new turbo engine option. For 2020, it returns with a handful of small changes, including the wider availability of advanced safety features and some cosmetic enhancements.
Related: What’s the Best Compact SUV of 2019?
Among the biggest changes for 2020 is the wider availability of the Advanced Safety Group option package, which bundles Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus and rain-sensing wipers. For 2020, it’s now available on Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited and Overland models. Also new is the addition of Alexa Skill Technology on models with the Uconnect multimedia system with the 8.4-inch display and navigation. It allows users to start the vehicle, check fuel levels, send an address to the navigation system and more from home.
Smaller changes for 2020 include new exterior paint colors (Sangria and Spitfire Orange join the lineup), and a Ski Grey interior palette is newly available on Latitude Plus models The Latitude trim receives standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, while 19-inch wheels are now available on the Limited.
Prices are up for 2020, but the increase is minimal. Base prices for the Latitude increase by $795; other trims see similar or smaller bumps for the new year. See the models compared.
For 2020, the Cherokee continues to be offered in Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland and Trailhawk trims. All versions except the Trailhawk come with two- or four-wheel drive; the Trailhawk is only available in four-wheel-drive. Turbo four-cylinder and regular V-6 power return, and all versions again use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
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The 2019 Jeep Cherokee ranked second to last in our 2019 comparison test of seven compact SUVs; it’s unlikely these updates for 2020 will make it much more attractive. And while it’s a plus that Jeep is making many safety features available across the Cherokee lineup, many competitors, such as the 2020 Honda CR-V and 2020 Toyota RAV4, have them as standard equipment.
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