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 2018 Ford Edge has an eager feel and crisp design; safety scores and Sport ride quality give pause.The Edge satisfies more than a few needs. It’s sleeker than the truck-infused Expedition, even the Explorer. It’s more spacious than the Escape. It’s also devoid of any off-road pretense, any faux-SUV ruggedness.
Pros Quick steering Cabin’s muted details Wide range of engines Composed ride on small-tire models Edge Sport lives up to name
Cons Seats are a big letdown Real-world fuel economy Stiff Sport ride
The Ford Endura is Ford Australia’s first large soft-road SUV since it stopped producing the Territory. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that’s both powerful and relatively economical. It is good to steer, with polished cornering manners for a large SUV. There are front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, and auto-braking is standard.
Pros Punchy engine; roadholding, cabin space, standard features.
Cons Dated dashboard, no petrol option.
Many Australians sorely miss the locally built Ford Territory. We’ve had our first local drive of the imported Endura to discover whether that large-SUV product gap has been adequately filled…
Pros Spacious rear seat and big boot Good steering Ride comfort and secure handling on country roads Smooth and quiet turbo diesel Lots of technology/features from entry model upwards
Cons No third-row seating despite vehicle’s size Performance only adequate Urban ride quality still an unknown Cabin presentation a bit underwhelming $4000 charge for AWD
