When you think of Jeep, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the iconic Wrangler. While this off-loading sensation has become a legend all over the world, not everyone can find a practical use for it in everyday life. This is where the new 2020 Jeep Cherokee comes into play. If you are looking for a new company SUV that perfectly fuses city driving with off-roading capabilities, this is the ride for you! The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is loaded with cool tech features to keep you safe, comfortable, and entertained everywhere you go. You even have the power to choose between a trio of engine offerings and multiple trim levels. Let’s go on an adventure to learn more about this petite trail warrior.
Standard Tech
Jeep is well-known for being an automaker that loves sub-trims and special edition models. The talented engineers and designers come up with something new every production year. However, there are a few tech features that are standard across the board for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee.
Bluetooth connectivity is one of those features. Allowing you to sync your smart devices with the infotainment interface, you can easily make or receive phone calls without taking your hands off the steering wheel. You can even send text messages hands-free. This feature enables you to stay connected with your family, friends, co-workers, or bosses everywhere you go. You don’t have to pull over to talk with or message anyone.
Another standard tech feature is a bit of a double whammy. All 2020 Jeep Cherokee models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is significant because not all automakers offer this type of advanced technology in every trim. If you shop around, you’ll notice that many competitors’ base models don’t have these capabilities. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you will be able to integrate your smartphone into the infotainment system. That’s a step further than Bluetooth. This allows you to stream music and use your favorite apps seamlessly while driving. For example, if you want to access Waze for real-time traffic updates and navigation, you don’t have to fumble around with your phone. You can access this app easily on the touchscreen interface.
Cabin Configuration
Keep in mind that the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a compact crossover vehicle. That means that this is a petite SUV that was built to be more practical for city life. You can easily maneuver through narrow city passageways and tight parking spots. With seating for five, there is also plenty of room for storage with 25.8 cu.ft. behind the back seats.
If you need a little more room but don’t want to mess with the seats, you can lower the cargo area floor to increase the space to 27.6 cu.ft. For a significant increase to transport large cargo, you can lay the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down flat. This will give you about 54.7 cu.ft. of total space to put whatever you want or need inside the cabin.
Performance Specs
Arguably the best part about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is the customization for optimized performance. This vehicle beautifully blends city driving with off-roading capabilities to statistics any adventurer at heart.
The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and FWD. This powertrain produces 180 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque and can pull up to 2,000 pounds. It also has an outstanding estimated fuel economy set at 27 MPG combined (23 city/31 highway).
Next is a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 four-cylinder motor that generates 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain uses dual variable valve timing and a flow-control valve intake manifold for increased fuel efficiency. With this innovative powertrain under the hood, you can travel for about 474 miles before needing to stop at a gas station.
Finally, the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 motor makes 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the same 9-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain can haul up to 4,500 pounds. That’s a best-in-class rating! You’ll find this robust system under the hood of the off-roading Trailhawk model.
Also equipped on the Trailhawk is a 4WD drivetrain system that was explicitly designed for adventures. Other performance features that help with exploring the wild include Jeep’s Active Drive System, Active Drive Lock, and the upgraded Selec-Terrain Traction Management System. All of these added features will help you travel over dangerous terrain and rocks without incident.
Taking performance a step further, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is built with a higher air intake and a special water sealant to prevent the engine from flooding. That means that you can drive through rivers and streams up to 20-inches deep without worrying about water damage. Also, this vehicle boasts a higher ground clearance to prevent damage to the underside while traveling over rocks.
Base Trim
The starting point for all 2020 Jeep Cherokee models is the Latitude trim level. Everything else is built off of this well-rounded, economical vehicle. You have a choice of al all-black interior or black with frost beige accents. USB ports are provided for charging your mobile devices, and a rearview camera is useful for reversing without causing a fender bender. The voice-controlled UConnect 4 infotainment system is presented on a large 7-inch touchscreen that functions with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Riding on 17-inch aluminum wheels, this base model also features fog lamps and LED headlights for enhanced visibility at night and during inclement weather.
Premium Trim
There are lots of mid-level trims, sub-trims, and special editions at your disposal. For the sake of this article, we won’t cover all of them. The top-tier High Altitude trim is the most luxurious Jeep Cherokee model. Rolling on 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, this high-class model adds a hands-free liftgate for easy cargo loading. It also comes with heated and ventilated Nappa leather seating and is offered in all-black. The leather-wrapped steering is also heated to keep your hands warm during the bitter winter months. Also, boasting an upgrade is the infotainment interface. The High Altitude features the Uconnect 4C NAV system displayed on a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. Advanced safety systems include rear cross-traffic alert, blindspot monitoring, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, rear park assist, and rain-sensing wipers.
The Trailhawk
Another trim worth mentioning is the Trailhawk. We covered it briefly in the performance section, but there’s much to this engaging ride than what’s under the hood. If you have an explorer’s spirit but live in the city, this is the perfect vehicle for you. The Trailhawk comes with hill ascent and descent control for easier driving up and down steep slopes. It rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels with a diamond-cut design, but you can also opt for 17-inch aluminum wheels in black. Mounted to the front are dual tow hooks in red, and there is another located on the rear.
Finding a 2020 Jeep Cherokee
No matter what benefits you are looking for in your next vehicle, you can be confident your needs will be filled with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Whether you want an SUV to travel around with the kids, or a big vehicle to bring on your next camping trip, the Cherokee has you covered.
