Jeep Wrangler Vs. Jeep Cherokee. Where do we begin comparing these two products from Jeep? There are the avid Jeepers who probably love both, but for some, one is superior to the other.

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For the non-Jeepers, both may not be worth it, because while these are fun and sturdy off-roaders to have, there are better SUVs out there in terms of handling and performance. Of course, this piece is for those who like both the Cherokee and the Wrangler, and are wondering which one to take home. And don’t even get us started on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, or it would be chaos.

10 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Looks

While both of these are Sport SUVs from the Jeep stable, they could not be more different from each other, almost like night and day. The Wrangler is a rugged and capable-looking off-roader, with the styling in masculine lines and unforgivable boxes.

In comparison to the Wrangler, the Cherokee looks refined and maybe a tad feminine – it’s all about smooth lines and curves. With a snub-nosed front, the Cherokee looks like a fine blade capable of slicing the road into ribbons. The Wrangler is all muscle and brute force and makes for a very capable off-roader.

9 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Muscle

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee comes in three engine formats: a 270-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, a 180-horsepower 2.4-liter multi-air inline-four, and a 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 – depending on the trim level you go for. Production for this now happens in the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois.

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For the Wrangler, it’s the 270-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, a 285-horsepower 2.6-liter V6 and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 rated at 260 horses will be made available from the 2020 model. The last engine is solely for the North American market. The Wrangler is still assembled in Toledo, Ohio and now, so is the Gladiator.

8 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The History

The Cherokee was initially introduced as a full-size SUV, a rebadged Wagoneer in 1974 and stayed on till 1983. From 1984, it was redesigned and sold as a compact SUV and stayed on the market till 2013 as a front-engine, fun drive. From 2o13 onwards, it has been classified as a crossover SUV.

In contrast to this, the Jeep Wrangler has always been a mid-to-compact size SUV and was introduced in 1986. Some 240,000 of these sold in 2018 alone, and with upgraded models on the way, who knows how bright will its future be.

7 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Price

The Cherokee comes in a total of six trims – with different engines, power, and off-roading capabilities. The base price of an FWD Cherokee is $25,700, while the 4X4 is at $27,270. The topmost trim in FWD is priced at $36,995 while in 4X4 it is at $38,495. There are six FWD drive models and nine 4X4 models, including the Trailhawk.

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On the other hand, all Wranglers are already 4X4, they differ in two or four-door capability. The base in the two-door starts at $28,045 while the top Rubicon trim starts at $38,045. For the four-door models, the base price is $31,545 while the MOAB goes all the way to $51,300.

6 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Fun Parts

The Wrangler boasts a more sporty profile with removable roofs, doors, and windshields. It’s a complete fun car that loves the dirt and handles rough roads far better than smooth terrain. The looks are sporty, and can even turn slightly menacing if you go for the higher trims. While you would see this around the city, ultimately it’s the complete highway offroader.

The Cherokee on the other hand, if a far more proper car than its rougher sibling. Like the case of the town mouse vs the country mouse – the Jeep Cherokee is the proper lady who knows its city manners as well as its highway technique. It does boast a panoramic sunroof.

5 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Off-Roading

Do we have to say anything about the Wrangler here? It is a complete off-roader simply because it was built for it. While it’s the Rubicon trim upwards that gives you complete freedom to handle any kind of terrain, even the lower trim are no lightweights. The Wrangler is what you take on fun trips to go just about anywhere. That said; just because the Cherokee looks and sounds better dressed and mannered, it is no off-roading lightweight. One can get the Trailhawk trims for decent off-roading capabilities, though you may also need the Technology Package over and above this for automatic brake control for forward-collision avoidance and more.

4 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Purpose

Somehow, when you think of a Wrangler, you think of a fun-loving person with adventure in his heart. This is the guy or gal who works hard and parties even harder. They have to have a love for travel and road trips, even if true off-roading is better left to the strong-hearted.

The Cherokee, on the other hand, appeals to someone who wants a Jeep which can cover them both for daily driving, and weekend highway trips, with the off-roading bit being on the side menu. The Cherokee does offer all that a crossover SUV brings with it for city driving, unlike a Wrangler that looks cool but can get monotonous for daily driving.

3 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Ride Quality

From the 2018 models onwards, the Wrangler has become a softer, more fluid ride while retaining its all-terrain capabilities. The earlier models were like one-time buys for many owners, who got tired of that jerky ride quality on smooth roads and soon looked for another daily driver. While the Wrangler may not be as smooth as a sedan because SUVs rarely are, it has become better for on-road driving.

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The Cherokee of course, as a crossover SUV, is meant to be a daily driver, with or without off-road capabilities. An able vehicle, even the lower trims can take some road abuse with ease, and on smooth roads, the Cherokee excels in comfort and superior ride quality.

2 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Interiors

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Most Wrangler models were hardcore off-roaders with few if any amenities. The Wranglers of today are different, and filled with all the creature comforts most modern vehicles possess. Of course, as is with any vehicle, the pricier trims boast the best interiors and accessories. The Uconnect infotainment system is a given, with screen sizes and models depending on equipment. There are over 100 ways to personalize the instrument cluster as well.

The Cherokee’s interiors are similarly attired with fancier names. The interiors for this can get a little compact with it being narrower than its competitors. Other bells and whistles include Nappa leather, heated steering, and plenty of other things to cosset yourself with.

1 Wrangler Vs. Cherokee: The Verdict

Honestly, these are two very different cars meant for very different needs. While the 2020 Wrangler is comfortable enough for a daily driver, some may get it as a second car for purely joyous purposes. This is the car to let your hair down in and coast the roads, uncaring of what the terrain may be. Think impromptu trips, family picnics, and of course, pure off-roading. This is freedom.

The Jeep Cherokee’s Trailhawk is an able off-roader but when it comes to tough terrain, it's always better to go with the specialist. The Cherokee is an excellent daily driver and if you can afford only one car, then perhaps the Cherokee fits better because it's not as if it can’t off-road. Just that the Wrangler can take the toughest terrains, while the Cherokee looks too cultured to do the same.

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