2020 Ford Expedition vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design transformation from its predecessor, which had a polarizing style that some speculated was influenced by Fiat's design language. The new Cherokee adopted a more conventional front-end design, replacing the previous isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a traditional headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear of the vehicle also saw changes, with the license plate moved to the center of the rear hatch, giving it a more modern look. Inside, the Cherokee retained its well-received dash and cabin design, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, offering a logical control layout and ample storage solutions. The Cherokee was available in several trims, including Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite, each offering varying levels of equipment and luxury.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Expedition was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat conservative, design that was expected to age well. The King Ranch trim featured distinctive styling elements such as 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, and LED headlights. Inside, the Expedition King Ranch boasted a luxurious cabin with Del Rio leather and numerous King Ranch logos. Despite its upscale interior, the Expedition had some hard plastic surfaces, particularly in the lower-level XLT trim, which was less acceptable given its price point. The Expedition's independent rear suspension contributed to a comfortable ride and spacious interior, making it a strong contender in the full-size SUV segment.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engines, including a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, a 3.2-liter V6 producing 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque, and a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Cherokee's 9-speed automatic transmission was standard across the lineup, with various 4-wheel-drive systems available, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. The Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, particularly the Trailhawk trim, which featured enhanced suspension and crawl control systems. On-road, the Cherokee provided a comfortable ride, with the turbocharged engine offering solid acceleration but being somewhat noisy. Towing capacity was impressive, with the V6 engine capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive performance. The Expedition's towing capacity was a standout feature, with the standard model capable of towing up to 9,300 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD. The Expedition's adaptive damping suspension and independent rear suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, although the large 22-inch wheels could result in a busy ride on imperfect pavement. Fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its size, with the King Ranch averaging 17.7 mpg.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior was designed with functionality in mind, featuring a logical control layout and ample storage solutions. However, its cargo space was limited, 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 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort, with power running boards for easy access and comfortable seating throughout. The King Ranch trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was notably comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard-length model and 34.3 cubic feet in the Expedition MAX. With the third row folded, the Expedition offered 57.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system, which was easy to use but occasionally slow to respond. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Expedition also offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a useful feature for those who frequently tow.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a range 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, rear cross-path detection, forward-collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Expedition received high safety ratings from the NHTSA, with 5-star ratings in most tests.