2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design overhaul to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The previous model, rumored to have Fiat origins, featured unconventional design elements that didn't resonate well with many buyers. Jeep designers took a clean-slate approach, resulting in a more conventional front-end design for 2019. The new model replaced the isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a more typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear of the vehicle 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's cabin remained largely unchanged, maintaining a sensible and logical control layout that blended form and function effectively.

In contrast, the 2020 Volvo XC90 represented the pinnacle of modern Volvo design, showcasing that a large SUV could be as beautiful as a low-slung sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were standard, emphasizing the vehicle's width and stability. The interior was equally impressive, with a Thunder Grey Metallic exterior contrasting beautifully with a beige-leather and aluminum interior. The XC90's cabin was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, featuring high-quality materials, power-adjustable thigh extensions, optional massage seats, and a well-integrated vertical touchscreen.

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, 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, and various 4WD systems were available, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. The Cherokee's towing capacity was impressive, with the V6 engine capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds and the turbocharged engine up to 4,000 pounds. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient variant being the turbo engine with FWD, achieving 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T6 Polestar tune further increased these figures to 330 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Despite these numbers, the XC90's performance was not as impressive as expected, with mid-range acceleration being good but off-the-line thrust lagging. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, but its added weight negated the speed benefits, and its fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior featured a highly functional control layout, with deep pockets in the front doors, a helpful tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. A hands-free power liftgate was available, although its sensor was not always reliable. Cargo space was limited, with just 25 cubic feet available and 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was below average for the compact crossover class.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was well-organized, with the Sensus infotainment system responding quickly and housing all climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion available for young children. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children, but cargo space was generous, offering up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded. Sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included an 8.3-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics, improved responsiveness, and pinch-to-zoom navigation. The touchscreen menu was well-organized, with customizable screens and dock buttons for major features.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured Volvo Pilot Assist as standard, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim included a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, although onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options compared to competitors.

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, 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 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, although its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.