The 2020 Jeep Cherokee comes with four wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.No significant changes for 2020.
Pros Available V6 and turbocharged engines provide smooth and assertive power Absorbent suspension smooths out rough surfaces Capable and user-friendly 8.4-inch touchscreen on many models Trailhawk offers unique off-road capability for a small crossover
Cons Sluggish acceleration with the base 2.4-liter engine Less cargo capacity than other small crossovers
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee cashes in on off-road prowess and luxury features but comes up short elsewhere.
Pros High-quality cabin Sliding second-row seat Trailhawk off-road capability Sharp infotainment system Wide range of powertrains
Cons Lack of standard active safety tech Bland styling So-so fuel economy Inconsistent 9-speed transmission Smaller interior than competitors
The Cherokee underwent a significant mechanical and cosmetic update for the 2019 model year, so changes to the 2020 version are minimal. Newly available, though, is an Advanced Safety Group package that includes lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Jeep also is offering two new paint colors for the new year: Sangria and Spitfire Orange.
Pros Legitimate off-road capability, good ride and handling for the class, Jeep badge adds cred.
Cons Poor fuel economy, limited cargo space, not a great value.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is another year older and another step behind its competitors in every area but price.
Pros Inexpensive Reasonably stylish Spacious interior Larger touchscreen
Cons Noisy and slow Short on standard safety tech Subpar fuel economy Lackluster quality
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.Refreshed exterior design.New ES Convenience package includes new, larger touchscreen.Midlevel SE trim adds advanced safety features.
Pros Well-equipped for the price Excellent warranty coverage
Cons Ride quality is rough over bumpy roads Many interior materials look and feel cheap to the touch Transmission is aggravating due to slow responses Raucous drone while accelerating, especially with 2.0-liter engine
Though it's based on the same platform that it's used since 2011, the Outlander Sport did get marked improvements for 2020. Restyled inside and out, it sheds some of the baby pudge from its old styling by trading soft edges for sharper, more deliberate lines, especially in its nose and headlamps. There's a new 18-inch wheel design and LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights across the range. The interior gets new climate-control knobs and there's an inch added to its infotainment screen on some trims, upping it to 8.0 inches.
Pros Refreshed look, good warranty, relatively low price.
Cons Lethargic base engine, no manual transmission, still not great inside.