2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant transformation from its previous iterations. The prior model's styling was rather polarizing, with rumors suggesting the design was originally intended for a Fiat. This background seemed plausible when comparing the Cherokee to models like the Fiat 500L, 500X, and Panda. To keep up with modern design expectations, Jeep initiated a clean-slate design approach when they introduced the new Cherokee in 2013, making it distinctly different from anything else on the road.

The 2019 model presented a more conventional front-end design. The daytime running lights and headlights transitioned from a unique isolated placement to a more typical headlight-above, fog light-below configuration. The rear design also saw a shift; the previous high-mounted headlights and slab design were replaced with a centered license plate frame, giving it a more typical modern compact SUV look.

Inside, the Cherokee’s cabin design drew inspiration from the Grand Cherokee, featuring a sensibly laid-out dashboard packed with cubbies and compartments for everyday utility. There were six trims: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite. The Latitude came with a 7-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and several convenience features like USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims brought more luxurious options including aluminum wheels, upgraded displays, dual-zone climate control, and premium seating materials.

Conversely, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 showcased a robust, chunky design with sharp edges, taking inspiration from the Toyota Tacoma. Its aggressive styling conveyed strength and modernity, which extended to its side profile and rear where taillights drew from Lexus design cues. The RAV4 featured a character line in the rear C-pillar, complemented by a mix of monotone and two-tone color options, providing varied aesthetic choices.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin embraced simplicity with an elegant yet practical layout. The floating touchscreen, climate controls, and storage trays were designed for easy access and everyday use. It offered trims like LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, and Limited, each adding more features from 17-inch steel wheels and LED lights on the LE, to a more rugged Adventure trim with unique stylistic touches and all-wheel drive capabilities. The range-topping Limited focused on luxury with amenities like ambient lighting and additional comfort options.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a variety of engines to cater to different performance needs. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, sufficient for standard drives but lacking punch. The stout 3.2-liter V6, available in 4WD Limited and other higher trims, provided a significant power boost with 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque.

A new addition for 2019, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, churned out an impressive 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with stop-start capability, though it was noisy under acceleration. A 9-speed automatic transmission came standard across the lineup, with multiple 4WD systems available. Active Drive I mimicked AWD systems in competitor models, while Active Drive II and Active Drive Lock offered enhanced off-road capabilities.

The Cherokee excelled on rough terrains, especially the Trailhawk which had an off-road suspension and advanced crawl control systems. Towing capabilities were commendable with the V6 engine enabling up to 4,500 pounds, and the turbocharged variant towing up to 4,000 pounds. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient turbo model offering up to 26 MPG combined.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 came exclusively with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered both FWD and two types of AWD, including a torque-vectoring system available on higher trims. This system could distribute power dynamically to different wheels, enhancing off-road performance.

The RAV4’s engine delivered decent highway acceleration but struggled with low-end torque, resulting in sluggishness in city driving. The ride was generally comfortable, though steering and body roll issues affected handling, especially in fast corners. Fuel economy was a strong point, with FWD models achieving 30 MPG combined and AWD versions close behind.

The Jeep Cherokee’s interior continued its functional design from previous years, with easily reachable controls and ample storage like deep door pockets and a spacious center console. The 2019 model introduced a hands-free power liftgate, though its cargo capacity remained limited with just 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with them folded, lagging behind competitors.

In comparison, the Toyota RAV4’s interior balanced practicality and style with a well-organized center stack and thoughtful storage like a dashboard tray and deep bins. Its cargo space was significantly better, offering 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet when folded. Though slightly reduced from previous models, it still surpassed many rivals.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came equipped with a standard 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen system on lower trims, expanding to an 8.4-inch version on higher trims. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with updated features including sharper graphics, improved responsiveness, and customizable screens.

The Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch Entune 3.0 touchscreen on the base LE trim, which increased to 8 inches on higher trims like the Adventure and Limited. Entune 3.0 provided Apple CarPlay but lacked Android Auto. The interface was straightforward, using real dials for volume and tuning while integrating hard-button controls for essential functions.