Jeep Cherokee vs Toyota 4Runner: Comparing Key Features to Help You Decide

The Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner are both popular midsize crossover SUVs with different advantages.

Jeep Cherokee Vs Toyota 4Runner

The Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner are two of the most popular off-road capable SUVs on the market today. Both offer drivers capable performance while also offering a luxurious ride and plenty of cargo space. Although they may appear to be similar at first glance, they differ greatly when it comes to power, design, and off-road capability. Knowing which model best fits your needs can be tricky, so here is a breakdown of some key points of comparison between the Jeep Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner.

When it comes to power, the Jeep Cherokee is outfitted with an efficient 3.2-liter V6 engine that produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. The 4Runner, on the other hand, offers a larger more powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

When it comes to design, both models offer rugged styling with features such as body cladding for added durability in off-road conditions. The Cherokee has a sloping roofline for aerodynamic performance while maintaining its rugged looks, whereas the 4Runner offers a more boxy design that maximizes interior space but sacrifices some aerodynamics.

Finally, when it comes to off-road capability these vehicles shine brightest with both offering an outstanding all-terrain experience that rivals many dedicated off-road vehicles on the market today. The Cherokee offers Selec-Terrain Traction Management System which allows the driver to customize their experience based on road conditions while the 4Runner offers Crawl Control which assists drivers by maintaining a slow speed over rough terrain using acceleration and braking as needed along with Active Traction Control which adjusts power delivery based on wheel spin caused by slippery surfaces or terrain changes.

In conclusion, if youre looking for an efficient yet powerful SUV then you cant go wrong with either model but if youre looking for maximum cargo capacity then the 4Runner would be the better option whereas if superior aerodynamics and fuel efficiency is important to you then go with the Jeep Cherokee.

Price Comparison – New Vs Used – Cost of Ownership

When comparing the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner, it’s important to consider the cost of ownership. The Jeep Cherokee is generally more affordable than the Toyota 4Runner, both when purchasing new and used models. For example, a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus can be purchased for around $29,000, while a 2020 Toyota 4Runner SR5 costs around $36,000. When looking at used models, the difference in price can be even more significant depending on model year and condition. In addition to purchasing price, cost of ownership should also include ongoing maintenance costs. The Jeep Cherokee offers a better value in terms of ongoing maintenance costs due to its lower parts prices and longer intervals between oil changes.

Interior Design & Space – Front Seating Comfort – Cargo Space

When it comes to interior design and space, both the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner offer comfortable front seating with plenty of headroom and legroom. The Jeep Cherokee offers slightly more cargo space than the Toyota 4Runner with an additional 1 cubic foot of storage behind the rear seats. Additionally, the Jeep Cherokee provides an extra 6 cubic feet of cargo space when folding down the rear seats compared to only 3 cubic feet in the Toyota 4Runner.

Performance & Drivetrain – Engine Power Output – Torque & Towing Capacity

The performance and drivetrain options between these two vehicles are quite different. The Jeep Cherokee comes equipped with either a 2.4-liter or 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces up to 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque while the Toyota 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that puts out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque making it slightly more powerful than the Cherokee. In terms of towing capacity, both vehicles have good capacity but again, here the Toyota 4Runner has an edge with its 5,000 pound tow rating compared to just 4500 pounds for the Jeep Cherokee.

Fuel Efficiency Ratings – MPG in City Driving – MPG on Highway

When it comes to fuel efficiency ratings both vehicles offer good MPG ratings in city driving but vary significantly when on the open highway with highway ratings that favor the smaller engine in the Jeep Cherokee over its larger counterpart in the Toyota 4Runner. Specifically, a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus gets up to 27 mpg on city roads while achieving up to 31 mpg on highways whereas a 2020 Toyota 4Runner SR5 gets only 20 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway respectively.

Safety Technologies & Ratings – Advanced Features Available – Crash Test Rankings

In terms of safety features available for each vehicle there are some slight differences between them as well as with their respective crash test rankings from independent testing organizations such as IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The Jeep Cherokee offers several advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control with stop/start technology as well as blind spot monitoring system while these features are not available on all trim levels for either vehicle depending on model year purchased or selected options at time of purchase. In terms of crash test rankings both vehicles earned top marks from IIHS but again slightly favoring the smaller engine size found in most versions ofthe Jeep Cherokee over those found in most versions ofthe Toyota 4Runner .

Technology Offerings & Features

The Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner offer an array of technology features and options. The Cherokee features an Entertainment Interface System, with an available 8.4-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to access all your favorite apps on the go. The 4Runner offers a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen display with options for a 7- or 8-inch display, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Both vehicles offer comfort options such as heated seats, power adjustable seats, and dual-zone climate control.

Warranty Coverages & Protections

Jeep offers basic maintenance warranty programs for the Cherokee, with comprehensive plans available for purchase separately. The Toyota 4Runner comes with a standard 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty giving you peace of mind when it comes to repairs. Both vehicles also come with complimentary roadside assistance for the duration of their respective warranties.

Appearance & Exterior Styling

The Jeep Cherokee has sleek exterior styling that will turn heads wherever you go. It offers a wide range of color options to choose from, allowing you to customize your vehicle’s look to make it truly one of a kind. The Toyota 4Runner has more rugged styling than the Cherokee but still has plenty of design aesthetics to make it stand out from the crowd.

Value for Money Analysis

Both the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner offer great value for money when compared to other vehicles in their respective classes. Both vehicles have excellent resale values making them great investments in the long run. The Jeep Cherokee also offers better fuel economy than the 4Runner which can save you money in fuel costs over time. In terms of overall cost vs benefits analysis, both vehicles are very close in terms of value for money but the Jeep Cherokee edges out the competition due to its lower fuel costs and better resale values.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is the difference between the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner?
A: The main difference between the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner is size. The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV, while the Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV. In addition, the 4Runner offers more off-road capability than the Cherokee due to its body-on-frame construction, increased ground clearance, and available four-wheel drive system.

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Jeep Cherokee has significantly better fuel economy than the Toyota 4Runner. The Cherokee offers up to 31 mpg on the highway with its 2.4L four-cylinder engine, while the 4Runner only gets 22 mpg on the highway with its V6 engine.

Q: Does one vehicle have more cargo space than the other?
A: Yes, the Toyota 4Runner has more cargo space than the Jeep Cherokee. The 4Runner has up to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row of seating, while the Cherokee has up to 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind its first row of seating.

Q: Are there any safety features that differentiate these two vehicles?
A: Yes, both vehicles offer different safety features that make them stand out from one another. The Jeep Cherokee offers blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as standard features on all trim levels, while these are only available as optional features on some trim levels of the Toyota 4Runner. Additionally, the 4Runner offers an available Bird’s Eye View Camera system for enhanced visibility when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.

Q: Are there any differences in performance between these two vehicles?
A: Yes, there are some differences in performance between these two vehicles. The Jeep Cherokee comes with a standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft of torque and can be upgraded to a 3.2L V6 engine that produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft of torque if desired; while the Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a powerful 4.0L V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft of torque

The Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner are both great vehicles, offering a wide range of features and capabilities. The Cherokee offers a great blend of off-road performance and on-road comfort, while the 4Runner offers a rugged, dependable design. Ultimately, the choice between these two vehicles comes down to personal preference and budget. The Cherokee is better suited for those looking for a more comfortable ride, while the 4Runner is ideal for those looking for serious off-roading capability.