2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its classic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a variety of aluminum wheel designs. The attention to balance, proportion, and detail was evident, making it a visually appealing choice. The Limited X trim, priced at just over $50,000, featured a performance vented hood, unique 20-inch wheels, and special leather seats, adding to its upscale appearance. However, the interior was marred by hard plastic panels, a squeaky door panel, and a loose-feeling center console, which detracted from the overall build quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, offered a familiar yet fun design. Its curvy, car-like lines and resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup gave it a modern family transportation vibe. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims. However, these clashed with some low-quality plastics, reminding drivers of its commodity car roots. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, providing a practical and stylish option for families.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower. For those seeking more power, there were options like the 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, a 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT, and the Trackhawk's 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The 8-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with three 4WD systems available depending on the trim. The Limited X trim featured the Quadra-Drive II system, providing excellent off-road capabilities. However, the Grand Cherokee's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.3 mpg during testing. Despite its robust acceleration and handling, the brakes struggled during long descents, highlighting the need for the upgraded braking systems in the SRT and Trackhawk versions.

The 2020 Honda CR-V simplified its lineup by replacing the base engine with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, this powertrain offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like demeanor translated to excellent road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V's performance was well-suited for everyday driving, offering a balance of efficiency and agility.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, as a midsize SUV, provided ample space for a family of five. The power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, but the hard plastic front-seatback panels were uncomfortable for rear passengers. Storage space was limited, with small door-panel bins and a center console storage bin. The cargo area offered 36.3 cubic feet of space, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The center console featured a deep well with a sliding cover, inspired by Honda's Odyssey minivan. The CR-V's cargo area was versatile, with a two-position load floor and a total of 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The door pockets were spacious, providing ample storage for everyday items.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an upgraded Uconnect system available on higher trims. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice-recognition technology. The 9-speaker Alpine audio system in the test vehicle provided good sound quality, while higher trims offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen in the base LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, offering better navigation options. The CR-V included multiple USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger for added convenience.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, its safety ratings were concerning, with a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small-overlap frontal-impact protection and a Poor rating for the front passenger. The 3-star rollover resistance rating further highlighted its safety shortcomings.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing system as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility. A safety recall for a rear subframe issue affected only a small number of vehicles.