2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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 SUV. The Laredo trim started at $31,945, with an additional $1,495 destination charge, and 4-wheel drive added another $2,000. The Grand Cherokee offered 11 additional trims, each catering to different preferences, from style to luxury and performance. The Limited X version, priced at just over $50,000, featured unique design elements and an upscale interior with perforated leather and special trim pieces. However, the interior had its drawbacks, with hard plastic panels and some build quality issues, leaving a sense of dissatisfaction.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was unmistakable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was enhanced by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top added to its recreational utility vehicle persona. Inside, the Wrangler embraced a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, making the most of its ergonomic shortcomings. The Wrangler Unlimited offered trims like Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, each with varying levels of ruggedness and comfort. The Rubicon stood out with its off-road capabilities, while the Sahara offered a more upscale experience. Special editions like the Willys and Black and Tan added unique features and aesthetics, showcasing Jeep's ability to diversify the Wrangler's iconic shape.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower, with options to upgrade to more powerful V8 engines, including the 707-hp supercharged V8 in the Trackhawk. An 8-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with three 4WD systems available depending on the trim. The Limited X test vehicle featured the Quadra-Drive II system, offering impressive off-road capabilities. However, the Grand Cherokee's fuel economy was less than ideal, averaging 18.3 mpg during testing. On-road, it provided a robust acceleration and better-than-expected handling, though the brakes struggled during intense use. The Trackhawk version offered astounding performance but at a high cost and lower fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a base 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel were also available, with the latter providing 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine excelled in low-speed performance and fuel economy, achieving 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was unmatched, with features like locking differentials and a disconnecting sway bar. However, on-road, it was a rough ride with significant road noise and steering play, making it an acquired taste for drivers.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 5-passenger midsize SUV, offered a roomy interior with comfortable power-adjustable and heated front seats. However, rear passengers faced discomfort from hard plastic front-seatback panels. Storage space was limited, with small bins and a center console storage area. Cargo space was also on the stingy side, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, available in two-door and four-door forms, featured removable doors and a foldable windshield. The soft top could be retracted easily, while the hardtop offered more protection. The Wrangler Unlimited provided about 72 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench lowered, less than other SUVs like the Honda CR-V. Despite sacrificing comfort and cargo space, the Wrangler excelled in off-road capabilities.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo came 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 navigation. The voice recognition system was excellent, and the 9-speaker Alpine audio system provided good sound quality. Higher trims offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara came with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system offering navigation, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Alpine premium audio system delivered impressive sound even at highway speeds.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, its safety ratings were concerning, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection and a Poor rating for the front passenger from the IIHS. The rollover resistance rating was also unimpressive.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety features like airbags and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. These features were beneficial given the Wrangler's awkward sightlines.