2019 Ford Edge vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant redesign to address its controversial styling. Previous models had a polarizing look, rumored to be influenced by Fiat designs due to the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merger. When the Cherokee was introduced in 2013, it stood out with its unique design, which gradually grew on buyers. For 2019, the front-end design became more conventional, replacing the previous isolated daytime running lights and headlights with a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below setup. The rear of the Cherokee also saw changes, with the license-plate frame moved to the center of the rear hatch, achieving a more standard appearance. Inside, the Cherokee's dash resembled a downsized Grand Cherokee with a sensible, logical control layout and ample storage compartments.

The 2019 Ford Edge also received a facelift, featuring a new grille, headlights, and lower front fascia for a sportier appearance. At the rear, the Edge had new taillights and a larger black panel connecting them, enhancing its sporty look. However, the cabin remained largely unchanged and felt dated compared to the 2010 interior, despite the addition of a new rotary shifter and useful storage solutions. The Edge offered comfortable front seats, with the ST model featuring bucket seats designed for performance driving. The rear seats provided ample space, and the cargo area was generous, although the overall interior design lagged behind modern standards.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and FWD Limited. The 4WD Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk featured a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission was standard across the lineup, with various 4WD systems available. Active Drive I provided basic AWD capabilities, while Active Drive II offered low-range capability, and Active Drive Lock added a locking rear differential for enhanced off-road performance. The Cherokee excelled in off-road scenarios, especially the Trailhawk trim, which boasted additional ground clearance and advanced features. On-road, the Cherokee handled bumps well, especially the Trailhawk's beefed-up suspension, making it ideal for rough roads. The Cherokee also had decent towing capabilities, with the V6 engine allowing up to 4,500 pounds, and the turbocharged engine managing 4,000 pounds.

The 2019 Ford Edge came with two engine options. All non-ST trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Edge ST boasted a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Edge ST offered impressive acceleration and handling, with Sport Mode providing enhanced performance. Despite its sporty nature, the Edge ST maintained a smooth ride, even over bumpy roads. The non-ST trims were even smoother, offering a comfortable driving experience. The base 2.0-liter engine with FWD delivered fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, while the Edge ST achieved 19/26/21, reflecting its performance capabilities.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee featured a highly functional control layout shared with other models, allowing easy access to controls without taking your eyes off the road. Interior storage solutions included deep pockets in the front doors, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. The hands-free power liftgate improved cargo access, although its sensor was occasionally inconsistent. The Cherokee's cargo space was limited, with only 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, falling short of class leaders like the Honda CR-V.

In contrast, the 2019 Ford Edge offered a dated cabin design but remained practical. Storage solutions included a deep cargo bin in the center console, another bin at the bottom of the center stack with USB ports and an available wireless charger, and large bottle holders in the in-door pockets. The ST trim featured performance-oriented bucket seats, which were not ideal for tall drivers, while the rear seats provided ample head- and legroom. The Edge excelled in cargo space, offering 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Nissan Murano and Chevy Blazer but slightly trailing the Honda Passport.

In 2019, Jeep equipped the Cherokee with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen as standard, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured an 8.3-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics and improved responsiveness. The Uconnect system offered a user-friendly interface with customizable screens and intuitive menu layouts.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system had a small digital screen operated by buttons, offering essential functions but lacking modern features. The SEL trim and above featured an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Although the graphics were mediocre, the system was easy to use and provided a seamless user experience.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, keyless entry, and trailer-sway control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims could be equipped with forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and a self-parking feature.

The 2019 Ford Edge included a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags as standard safety equipment. All trims came with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, offering automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims could be upgraded with Co-Pilot360 Assist+, adding adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a lane-centering system.