The 2020 Jeep Cherokee lasts around 200,000 miles with some oil consumption and stereo system problems reported. At $19,300 to $29,500, it’s a decent value for a small SUV with a very good four-wheel drive system.
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a decent year for the Jeep Cherokee, although it’s not as good as some other small SUVs on the market. Owner reviews praise the low maintenance costs, smooth suspension, along with the quiet cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for an affordable SUV, the seats offer decent support, although cargo space is lower than the competition.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are reliability improvements from earlier years on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Avoid models from 2014–2016, as well as 2019. 2020–2022 are better options.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is poor with the base engine while the upgraded engines are still not very exciting to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Cherokee is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, along with park assist.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 26 MPG, giving 410 miles of range out of the 15.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $8 cheaper than average at $197 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is cheaper than other small SUVs, although depreciation is also quicker than the competition.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Cherokee?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Jeep Cherokee offers more creature comforts than earlier years, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Cherokee at 4.3/5, enjoying the great 8.4-inch touchscreen stereo system, but doesn’t like the smaller cargo capacity.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Cherokee a 3.9/5, praising the off-road capabilities, but owners don’t like the underpowered base engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee include excessive oil consumption, the stereo system freezing up, along with some paint quality issues. Overall, these problems are similar to many other SUVs on the market, leading to average repair bills as they age.
Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Cherokee owners in the first 15,000 miles. Usually, the oil consumption is normal. It’s a good idea to check oil levels regularly and top off the oil as needed. There are some relatively rare reports of piston rings failing, which are usually covered under warranty. Out of warranty they can cost over $800 to replace.
The stereo system freezing is another issue reported by Cherokee owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates available which fix a lot of the stereo system bugs. Most dealerships will install the updates for free, while some charge around $50 to update the software.
Paint quality issues also show up on some 2020 Cherokee models. Owners report the paint starting to fade on flat surfaces like the hood and roof within the first 30,000 miles. The only way to fix the issues is by repainting the affected areas at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
There are two recalls on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. The first recall is for the steering rack gears which may fail, Jeep will replace them on affected models for free. The other issue is with the rearview camera, which is fixed with a free software update.
How Long Will the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Jeep Cherokee can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $485 per year.
As a used 2020 Jeep Cherokee reaches 100,00 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the vehicle speed sensor for $375, air bag clock spring costing $700, along with the distributor assembly which costs $500.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is basic, only offering a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.
Optional available driver assistance features include:
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a good value for a compact SUV with some decent off-road capabilities. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,300 to $29,500, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $25,840 to $38,495. Depreciation is worse than some other SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Cherokee?
There are five models of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee offered from the base Latitude, all the way up to the well-equipped Overland. There’s also an off-road focused Trailhawk model. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is optional.
Latitude is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- LED Headlights
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- Bluetooth
- Two USB Ports
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
Latitude Plus is a step up, adding:
- Simulated Leather Seat Inserts
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Satellite Radio
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Power Liftgate
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Remote Start
- Household Power Outlet
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 4-Inch Touchscreen
- Nine-Speaker Audio System
Trailhawk is the off-road model which adds:
- Advanced All-Wheel Drive System Active Drive II
- Wider Wheels
- All-Terrain Tires
- Increased Ground Clearance
- Off-Road Suspension
- Locking Rear Differential
- Jeep Active Drive Lock
- Hill Ascent and Descent Control
- Skid Plates
- Unique Upholstery
Overland is the flagship model which has:
- Body-Colored Exterior Trim
- Sound-Deadening Windshield
- Driver-Seat Memory Functions
- Wood Interior Trim
- Premium Leather Upholstery
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Seats
What Engines Come In the Jeep Cherokee?
- The base engine in the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is an average 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 180 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. All of the engines come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, which produces 270 horsepower at up to 26 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- Another option is the 3.2L V6 which generates 271 horsepower, which gets up to 23 MPG.
What Colors Does the Jeep Cherokee Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Cherokee?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a comfortable small SUV, with a spacious and well-appointed interior and a smooth, quiet ride. However, comfort can vary depending on the specific model and trim level.
In terms of seating, the Cherokee offers comfortable and supportive front seats, with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats are also spacious, with plenty of room for adult passengers. Higher trim levels may feature leather or premium cloth upholstery, as well as power-adjustable seats and heated and ventilated front seats for added comfort.
The Cherokee’s suspension system is designed to provide a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and rough terrain with ease. However, some reviewers have noted that the ride can be somewhat stiff on rough roads, particularly with the sportier suspension setups. Noise levels inside the Cherokee are generally low, with little road or wind noise penetrating the cabin. However, the Cherokee’s engine can be somewhat noisy under heavy acceleration.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Cherokee Have?
In terms of cargo space, the Jeep Cherokee has 25.8 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row of seats, which can be expanded to a maximum of 54.7 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats which is less than some competitors.
As for interior storage space, the Jeep Cherokee has a center console with a storage bin and armrest, as well as various storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets and cup holders. The Jeep Cherokee also has available features such as a cargo management system with a tonneau cover, a roadside assistance kit, and a roof rack to further enhance storage capacity.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Jeep Cherokee was first launched in 2014 after it was out of production.
2015: Rearview camera now standard on Latitude and Trailhawk models.
2016: Siri Eyes Free added to the stereo system.
2017: Standard Xenon headlights on all models above Sport, new Overland model launched.
2018: Latitude Plus model added to the lineup.
2019: New turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, upgraded stereo system, along with minor exterior styling changes.
2020: No major changes from earlier years.
2021: Latitude Lux edition available, more safety technology added on all models.
How Does the Jeep Cherokee Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a nice small SUV offering a mix of luxury and off-road capabilities, although it is not as reliable as some of the competitors on the market.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a larger SUV offered by Jeep which costs about $6,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the Jeep Cherokee is easier to fit in large city parking lots. We recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you need a more capable SUV, otherwise the Jeep Cherokee is a fine choice.
The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which costs about $3,500 more. Ownership costs are lower on the Toyota RAV4, while the Jeep Cherokee handles off-road terrain better with its higher suspension. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s a more reliable choice, although both are decent choices for 2020.