2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior featured soft, curvy lines reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup, giving it a car-like appearance that leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV. This styling made it a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics. The CR-V's base model, the FWD LX, started at an MSRP of $26,270, with four trim levels available. Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, with larger options on higher trims, and a retractable moonroof on all but the LX trim.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with a more proportioned look despite its short grille and swept-back headlights. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's Cherokee offered an optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its appeal. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded crossover market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its interior was simple and businesslike, with trim levels affecting the overall feel, from the basic Latitude to the more upscale Trailhawk and Latitude Lux with leather upholstery.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This powertrain provided a responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode, with a well-tuned CVT that mimicked a conventional automatic. The CR-V's car-like handling, nimble steering, and minimal body roll contributed to its excellent road manners. Its lightweight design, at 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model, aided acceleration, handling, and fuel economy. FWD models achieved 30 mpg combined, while AWD models managed 29 mpg, placing the CR-V among the top in its class for fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Cherokee's nine-speed automatic transmission provided capable performance, though acceleration was not outstanding. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. While FWD was available for cost-conscious buyers, the Cherokee's off-road prowess was best experienced with AWD.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and storage solutions. Its cabin offered ample head- and legroom, with a well-designed seating position for excellent visibility. The cargo compartment matched the Volkswagen Tiguan in volume, with a two-position load floor providing flexibility. Clever storage solutions, like the deep center console and spacious door pockets, made the CR-V practical for everyday use. With 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, the CR-V was adept at accommodating various needs.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, falling short compared to competitors. Its 102 cubic feet of passenger volume was competitive, though. The Cherokee's interior was straightforward, with trim levels influencing the overall feel. While the Latitude featured basic materials, the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale touches like suede seat inserts and leather upholstery.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen on the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on the larger screen, but integration felt lacking. The CR-V offered ample USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ones in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. Available with 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wired. The Cherokee offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience. The Uconnect system's consistency across Stellantis brands was a plus for Cherokee buyers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims due to headlight performance. A safety recall affected a small number of vehicles for rear subframe issues.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. The Cherokee offered standard safety features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.