2020 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee drastically improved upon the polarizing styling of its predecessors. Initially rumored to bear a Fiat design, the Cherokee ultimately emerged with a distinctive look that set it apart from other SUVs when first introduced in 2013. Most notably, Jeep designers opted for a more conventional front-end design for 2019, abandoning the isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights. Now, the Cherokee featured a classic headlight-above/fog-light-below setup. Additionally, the placement of the license-plate frame moved to the center of the rear hatch, presenting a more modern look. The dash and cabin design, carried over from previous models, continued to blend form and functionality with a logical control layout and ample cubby spaces.

Available trims for the Cherokee included Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite. The base Latitude trim came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect infotainment, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Enhancements were available with each subsequent trim, from aluminum wheels to Nappa leather seats.

In comparison, the 2020 GMC Acadia retained its premium-brand positioning. The front-end redesign showcased squared-off headlights and a boxier grille with refined details, accentuating its upscale intent. Denali trims, in particular, featured more brightwork to embody luxury.

In the cabin, the new electronic transmission shift switches, redesigned center console, and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models were notable changes, yet the rest of the interior largely remained the same. The interior combined a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, assembling a user-friendly layout. The Denali trim's bronze-tinted metallic accents and leather upholstery added some premium touch, though the Acadia remained somewhat simplistic compared to its Cadillac sibling.

For performance, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee introduced a new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered solid low-to-mid-speed acceleration though it was somewhat noisy. The base engine was a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the trusty 3.2-liter V6, available on 4WD variants and standard on Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims, delivered 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque.

Cherokee’s 4WD options included Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock for varying levels of off-road capability. These systems were paired with a Terrain Management System that could be adjusted for different driving conditions. The Cherokee handled well on roads, and its beefed-up Trailhawk suspension absorbed significant bumps, making it an ideal companion for rugged terrains. Additionally, the Cherokee's towing capacity stood out, with 4,500 pounds available with the V6 and 4,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine, significantly surpassing its rivals.

Conversely, the 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine choices. The base engine was a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, followed by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the SLT trim. The robust 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower was standard in the AT4 and Denali trims. The new nine-speed automatic transmission across all engines ensured smooth and refined power delivery, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.

GMC's Acadia also introduced a dual-clutch AWD system exclusive to the AT4 trim, enhancing its off-road prowess alongside all-terrain tires. The Acadia's handling was finely tuned, providing a balanced ride without much flair, though the SUV's driving character remained somewhat forgettable.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's control layout was intuitive and functional, with easily accessible controls and plenty of storage compartments. However, its cargo space was limited, offering just 25 cubic feet with the seats up and 54 cubic feet when folded, falling short compared to leading rivals like the Honda CR-V.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered a versatile interior space, seating five, six, or seven passengers depending on the trim level. The Denali trim included comfortable 10-way power-adjustable front seats and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Acadia's interior storage improved with reconfigured center console storage, though its cargo capacity still posed limitations. With just 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, growing to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 79 cubic feet, it was about average for the segment but remained practical for most activities.

Technology the 2019 Jeep Cherokee saw a significant upgrade with a standard 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in lower trims, and an 8.3-inch version in higher trims. The updated Uconnect system featured improved graphics, responsiveness, and functionality, including customizable screens and pinch-to-zoom navigation.

The 2020 GMC Acadia matched up with essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with enhanced resolution, simplified usage, improved voice recognition, and even USB-C ports for better connectivity. The Acadia’s infotainment system was user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible to any smartphone user.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features like front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and electronic stability controls. Additional safety groups provided blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, parking sensors, and advanced options like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, though lacking in some standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), included essential safety features such as a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were notable, but advanced features like forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking required upgrading to higher trims.