2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, with its bold and angular redesign from the previous year, continued to stand out in the compact SUV segment. Known for its durability, the RAV4's TRD Off-Road trim added a rugged touch with matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The interior featured TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials, though some plastic elements appeared less refined. The RAV4 offered a range of trims, from the base LE to the well-equipped Limited, providing options for various budgets and preferences.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved over the years, becoming more proportionate and appealing. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition. Its exterior design, reminiscent of the larger Grand Cherokee, helped it stand out in a crowded SUV market. The Cherokee's interior was straightforward and functional, with trim-specific enhancements like suede seat inserts in the Trailhawk and Nappa leather in the Latitude Lux, offering a range of choices for different tastes.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a hybrid variant with 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though the TRD Off-Road trim was not available as a hybrid. The RAV4's 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally hesitated in gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable on challenging trails. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road handled urban environments adeptly, though its all-terrain tires were not ideal for high-speed mountain driving.

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 was a reliable performer, contributing to its fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. While the Cherokee was available in FWD to keep costs down, its off-road prowess was best experienced in the Trailhawk trim.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy ingress and egress, with a sporty driving position and an 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The rear seat provided ample legroom for adults and children, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for passenger comfort. Interior storage was generous, and the RAV4 boasted 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A robust roof rack and optional hands-free power liftgate added to its utility.

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 of competitors. It provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The Cherokee's interior was simple and functional, with trim-specific enhancements like suede seat inserts in the Trailhawk and Nappa leather in the Latitude Lux, catering to different preferences.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The TRD Off-Road trim included an 8-inch display with minimal glare issues. The RAV4's voice-recognition technology was impressive, and the optional Technology Package added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its intuitive interface, available with 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreens. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration, with remote start available on certain trims. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, contingent on having full LED, curve adaptive headlights. Toyota also offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, enhancing its safety appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness and a G+ rating for LATCH ease of use. Its headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable." The NHTSA awarded the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.