2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant redesign to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The new front-end design adopted a more conventional look, 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 appearance. Inside, the Cherokee's cabin retained its sensible and logical control layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, blending form and function with plenty of storage compartments.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Highlander featured a more subtle exterior redesign, with slanted tailgate glass and exaggerated body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. Higher trims boasted projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, with big 20-inch wheels available on the Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander's cabin received significant attention, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The interior color palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim offered a luxurious three-tone interior. The Highlander's interior quality was comparable to the Kia Telluride, setting it apart from competitors like the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot.

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 FWD Limited. The 4WD 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, generating 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 various 4WD systems available, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. This engine produced 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and smooth performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot to initiate a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, resulting in a floaty ride. However, the vehicle's size and weight were always apparent, which could be a concern when carrying multiple passengers. The Highlander offered selectable driving modes and torque vectoring on the rear axle for AWD models, enhancing its handling capabilities.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior featured a highly functional control layout, with plenty of storage solutions, including deep pockets in the front doors, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. The Cherokee added a hands-free power liftgate as an option for 2019, though the sensor was not always reliable. Cargo space was limited, with just 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous adjustments and easy access to the third row. The Highlander provided exceptional ingress and egress, with a comfortable seating height for all passengers. Three-zone climate control was standard, with upper trims offering additional features like a 120-volt outlet, side window shades, and a heated second row. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Highlander also featured multiple cupholders, bottle holders, and integrated dash shelves for added convenience.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8.3-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics, improved responsiveness, and pinch-to-zoom navigation. The touchscreen menu had a user-friendly layout, with customizable screens and drag-and-drop functionality.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander, despite being a new model, had an outdated infotainment system. The maps lacked detail, and there were no onboard apps, requiring a connected phone for a slow, convoluted process. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, had limited usable area due to constant display of climate and fuel economy information. However, the Highlander included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The vehicle also featured a large 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. The semi-automated driving system, adaptive cruise control, and other safety features were standard, enhancing the Highlander's technology offerings.

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 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander also had a driver's knee airbag and a special cushion airbag for the front passenger. The IIHS awarded the Highlander a 2020 Top Safety Pick for its top ratings in crash tests and emergency braking performance.