2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee exhibited a timeless design that belied its decade-old origins. It sported traditional Jeep styling elements such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. This balanced appearance allowed the Grand Cherokee to feel equally at home on rugged trails and at upscale venues, making it a versatile and attractive option for a diverse group of buyers.

Starting at $32,150 for the Grand Cherokee Laredo and climbing to $52,495 for the Grand Cherokee Summit, the vehicle offered a range of trims to suit various budgets and preferences. The high-performance SRT ($68,895) and Trackhawk ($87,400) variants added extra pizzazz. The Limited X model, tested at $53,275, included every option except a V8 engine, a towing package, and a CD player, showcasing features like a ventilated hood, sport-themed front bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Interior quality, however, presented a mixed bag. In models priced above $50,000, the abundance of hard plastic materials detracted from the otherwise premium feel, leaving some customers wanting more for their money.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler, known for its unmistakable boxy styling, circular headlights, and seven-slat grille, prioritized a rugged and industrial look. The exposed hinges and bolts, along with the removable top and doors, made it clear that the Wrangler was designed for adventure rather than daily commuting.

Inside, the Wrangler’s cabin featured a retro design, with circular climate vents and gauges. The Rubicon trim, driven in this review, came standard with amenities like a 7-inch touchscreen system that included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The option to upgrade to an 8.4-inch touchscreen system with navigation, HD Radio, and a premium Alpine audio system provided an added layer of luxury.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration provided satisfying acceleration and a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, although actual performance during testing returned 19.4 mpg. For those seeking more power, the Grand Cherokee offered three V8 engine options: a 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8, a 475-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT, and an ultra-powerful 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk.

Off-road capabilities were highlighted in the Trailhawk version, which included all-terrain tires, skid plates, and the most capable 4WD system. The Limited X model tested came equipped with Quadra-Trac II 4WD, enabling it to navigate terrain challenging for traditional crossover SUVs. However, on-road driving dynamics were less impressive, with significant suspension movement that could lead to motion sickness and subpar steering and braking performance.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a variety of engine options. The base engine was a 3.6-liter V6, producing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler also offered a 270-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that produced 260 hp but a remarkable 442 lb-ft of torque, enhancing both highway overtaking and off-road maneuverability.

Despite its rough ride and increased road noise, particularly on the highway, the Wrangler excelled off-road. The Rubicon trim, specifically, featured locking front and rear differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar, allowing it to tackle uneven terrain with greater ease. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was a modest improvement over gasoline versions, averaging 25 mpg combined.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided seating for five and 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Front seats were heated and power-adjustable, but the lack of ventilated seats in the Limited X trim was a noticeable omission. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and rear air conditioning vents, although storage space within the cabin was somewhat limited.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, available in both two-door and four-door configurations, included the option to remove the doors and fold down the windshield. The most popular variant was the four-door Unlimited, which offered about 72 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear bench was folded flat. The vehicle’s removable top, whether soft or hard, provided flexibility for owners. However, the Wrangler's cargo space fell short compared to less capable SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

In the 2020 Grand Cherokee Limited X, the Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. A 9-speaker Alpine sound system was included, though audiophiles might prefer the optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available on higher trims. Unique to the Grand Cherokee were Off-Road Pages and Performance Pages, providing valuable data for off-roading and performance metrics.

The 2020 Wrangler Limited’s Sport and Sport S trims came with a basic 5-inch touchscreen system, while the Rubicon and Sahara trims included a more advanced 7-inch Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system was available, adding navigation and a premium Alpine audio system with a subwoofer, ensuring that even on the roughest trails, drivers could enjoy high-quality sound.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three advanced driving assistance packages. The base ProTech I package included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Upgrading to ProTech II added low-speed forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, while Advanced ProTech II included full-speed forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Despite these options, the Grand Cherokee received only a 4-star NHTSA rating and poor crash-test ratings from the IIHS, particularly in small overlap frontal-impact tests.

Safety in the 2020 Wrangler included airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a cleverly placed backup camera. Optional safety packages added features like rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group package also included automatic high beams, enhancing visibility in various driving conditions.