2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, resembling a larger Subaru Forester, was designed with practicality and utility in mind. It featured gray plastic cladding for 360-degree protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares for a robust appearance. The Ascent's roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels on three of the four trims added to its functional design. The base model, starting at $31,995, came with 18-inch wheels and lacked privacy glass. Upgrading to the Premium trim at $34,395 offered better detailing and a superior infotainment system. The Limited trim at $39,345 added leather seats, while the top-tier Touring trim at $45,045 included premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and luxury enhancements. The test vehicle, a Touring trim, was priced at $46,285 and featured a stylish Abyss Blue Pearl exterior with Java Brown leather interior, offering a high-quality feel.

In contrast, 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. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding appeared more upscale. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a CVT, and AWD, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided good acceleration but was thirsty, averaging 18.9 mpg in real-world testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not sporty, with slow and numb steering, and the suspension struggled on undulating roads. The CVT, while decent, had issues with power delivery, producing uneven and unpredictable performance. The shifter felt cheap, and the vehicle rolled significantly when parked on a hill. The Ascent excelled on smooth freeways and off-road, thanks to its AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction, Hill Descent Control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

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. Acceleration was modest, with the V6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities were notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which featured Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD, making it more affordable for rental fleets, but most buyers preferred the AWD versions.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the armrests were well-padded. The front seats had significant track travel, making the Ascent appealing to tall people. The dashboard featured a useful shelf and ambient lighting, though the controls appeared dated. Storage options included a center bin, door panel bins, and an underfloor storage compartment. The Ascent could be configured with a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and convenience. The third-row seat was accessible and offered acceptable space for short trips. Cargo space was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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, which was less than its competitors. The Cherokee had about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels affecting the quality of materials. The Latitude trim featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk had suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim offered perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Starlink Safety and Security services. The Touring trim included a high-resolution screen and navigation. The system had stereo knobs and separate climate controls, but the voice-control system was outdated and the navigation system had issues. The Ascent Touring offered a 180-degree front camera view and a 180-degree rear camera view, but lacked a 360-degree view camera and front parking sensors. The PIN Code Vehicle Access system was a standout feature for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly, and included a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience. The Uconnect system was user-friendly, with easy access to heated seat controls and climate settings. The interface was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on a platform designed for exceptional occupant protection, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited trim included LED steering-responsive headlights and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight Assist Monitor projected alerts onto the windshield, enhancing safety. The Ascent also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services, with additional security features available through the Security Plus plan.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, but received top scores in crashworthiness categories and for LATCH child seat anchors. The headlights on upper trims were rated "Acceptable," while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating. The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was available only on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.