2019 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design transformation, moving away from its previous polarizing style to a more conventional look. The front-end redesign replaced the isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a more traditional configuration. The rear also saw changes, with the license plate frame moved to the center of the hatch, giving it a more modern appearance. Inside, the Cherokee retained its well-received dash and cabin layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, offering a logical control layout and ample storage solutions. The Cherokee was available in several trims, each offering varying levels of luxury and off-road capability, from the base Latitude with a 7-inch touchscreen to the luxury-focused Overland and the off-road-ready Trailhawk.

The 2020 Ford Edge, on the other hand, maintained its second-generation design with a styling update that gave it a crossover version of the Fusion sedan's look. The interior, while showing signs of age, offered a solid cabin quality with soft-touch materials, though marred by the use of hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from the standard SYNC 3 infotainment system to the performance-oriented ST with a powerful engine and sportier styling. The Edge's cabin layout provided a commanding view of the road, with ample storage and spacious seating, making it a comfortable choice for commuting and road trips.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engines, starting with a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 3.2-liter V6, standard on higher trims, delivered 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine was introduced, offering 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, providing solid acceleration but with noticeable noise. The Cherokee featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and various 4-wheel-drive systems, including the off-road-capable Active Drive Lock on the Trailhawk. The Cherokee excelled in off-road conditions, particularly the Trailhawk, which offered impressive capability without the roughness of a traditional Wrangler. Towing capacity was notable, with the V6 capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Edge provided a smooth ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease. The performance-oriented Edge ST featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST offered a more engaging driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering capabilities. A Sport mode enhanced the driving experience, and an available ST Performance Brake Package added unique wheels and upgraded brakes.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior was designed for functionality, with a logical control layout and ample storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a center console. However, its cargo space was limited, offering just 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded, falling short of class leaders like the Honda CR-V.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, providing a commanding view of the road and spacious seating in both rows. The Edge offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee featured a standard 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8.3-inch system available on higher trims. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface, customizable screens, and responsive performance.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use icons and a home button for navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional voice-activated navigation on higher trims. The Edge also offered a semi-digital instrument panel and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and electronic stability control. Optional safety packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Ford Edge included a full suite of safety features, with the Ford Co-Pilot360 system standard across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.