2020 Dodge Durango vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design overhaul to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The previous generation, rumored to have Fiat origins, featured unconventional design elements that didn't resonate with many buyers. The 2019 model introduced a more conventional front-end design, replacing the isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear also saw changes, with the license plate frame moved to the center of the rear hatch, giving it a more modern look. Inside, the Cherokee retained its well-received dash and cabin layout, offering a sensible and logical control setup reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee. The interior blended form and function, with plenty of storage compartments and a user-friendly design.

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee sibling, which received more significant updates. However, a refresh was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The Durango's trims ranged from the base SXT to the performance-oriented SRT, each offering varying levels of features and luxury. The SRT trim, in particular, stood out with its aggressive lower front fascia, auto-leveling headlights, and unique leather-and-suede seats.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engines, starting with the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and the front-wheel-drive Limited. The 4-wheel-drive Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims came with a 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A new addition for 2019 was the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was optional across the lineup, except for the base Latitude. All engines were paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, with power routed to either the front wheels or all four wheels through various 4-wheel-drive systems. The Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 4,500 pounds, depending on the engine choice. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient variant being the turbo engine with front-wheel drive, achieving 23 miles per gallon city, 31 highway, and 26 combined.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered three engine options. The SXT, GT, and Citadel trims came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, which was also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT trim came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, producing 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the trim. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, making it a strong contender for those needing substantial towing capabilities. The SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, enhancing its driving dynamics.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee featured a highly functional control layout, with plenty of storage solutions within the driver's reach, including deep pockets in the front doors, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. The Cherokee offered an optional hands-free power liftgate, although its sensor was not always reliable. Cargo space was a weak point, with just 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for the compact crossover class.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was competitive with other three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's cabin offered plenty of space for occupants, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was best suited for children. The Durango also featured multiple cargo bins, bottle- and cupholders, and various trays for gear storage.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen on the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims, while all other trims featured an 8.3-inch Uconnect system. Both systems included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the latest version of Uconnect offering crisper graphics, improved responsiveness, and pinch-to-zoom functionality on the navigation system. The touchscreen menu had a great layout, with dock buttons for major features and customizable screens.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system stood out for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The Durango also came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link with real-time traffic and weather updates. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims featured an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

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 with a panic button, and trailer-sway control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, rear parking sensors, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, automatic rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and a self-parking feature.

The 2020 Dodge Durango also came standard with front and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Moderate score for driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).