2021 Jeep Cherokee vs Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler are both powerful, capable SUVs that can offer a lot to the drivers in Hamilton, Madison, and Smyrna, NY. That’s why our Friendly Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Hamilton team wrote this Cherokee vs. Jeep Wrangler review. Check it out, and then get in touch to test drive the Jeep SUV that gets your attention the most!

Jeep Cherokee Inventory           Jeep SUV Research        Jeep Wrangler Inventory[CK1]

Jeep Cherokee vs Wrangler: 4×4 Systems to Write Home about

There’s no doubting that the Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler were built to explore the great outdoors. That’s especially evident when you consider the off-roading and all-weather handling features that they each come with.

Both the Cherokee and Wrangler come equipped with one of three available 4-wheel drive (4×4) systems that can actively adapt to your roadway conditions to improve traction control based on the conditions you face. You can see those systems in the table below:

If you mostly use your SUV for everyday driving, then the 4×4 systems in the Cherokee may be more your speed. The available Jeep Active Drive 4×4 system, for example, is a full-time system that automatically engages on unpredictable roads and actively monitors slippages. The Jeep Active Drive II system is also good for towing a boat to the lake because it features a 4-Low mode that enhances performance.

The Wrangler, on the other hand, is great for adventurous getaways. It has the available Command-Trac® 4×4 system, which features a 2.72:1 low range that’s ideal for rock crawling. The Rock-Trac® 4×4 system can improve rock crawling ability even more with its 4:1 low gear ratio.

Off-Roading in the Cherokee and Wrangler

Whether you mostly use your Jeep SUV for commutes to the office or weekend adventures, both the Cherokee and Wrangler can let loose and break free from the paved path from time to time. They even include off-roading technologies that can help you monitor your vehicle and improve performance.

If you’re setting out in the Jeep Cherokee, available Off-Road Pages can deliver key insights and stats on your vehicle. This includes information on wheel articulation and transmission temperature, as well as suspension height and active drive mode.

The Wrangler has an available Off Road+ button that promptly adjusts your throttle, transmission, shift points, and traction control for peak performance when travelling over sand dunes or crawling over rocks. If you’re in an especially rough spot, standard Selec-Speed® Control can act as a kind of cruise control to automatically move you forward at a slow speed while you focus on navigating and steering.

Powerful Capabilities

What do you want from your next SUV—a powerful engine or a hefty towing capacity? How about both? With the Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler, power comes standard. Both vehicles feature an available 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

If you want more power, then go for the available Pentastar® V6 engine. Check out the table below to see how this powertrain performs in either Jeep SUV:

You may have noticed that the available V6 engine in the Wrangler gives a little more thrill with its 285-horsepower output. However, the Cherokee can tow 1,000 pounds more than the Wrangler when properly equipped.

It’s up to your personal preferences whether you want that extra engine power to get you moving on tough terrain or a little more towing capability to haul your boat, mopeds, and ATVs.

Cargo and Passenger Space in the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler

How heavy do you like to pack when you hit the road? How many friends do you often bring on your adventures with you? These important questions can help you determine whether the Cherokee or Wrangler will be the right fit for your next getaway.

Both vehicles feature enough room for five passengers, with plenty of cargo space in the back. However, the Cherokee offers more room for passengers overall, as you can see here:

With 128 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to 104 cubic feet in the Wrangler, the Cherokee may be a better fit if you need more room for your friends and family. However, the 4-door configuration of the Jeep Wrangler gives you 72.4 cubic feet of total cargo volume when you fold the rear seat down flat.

So, if you’re travelling alone or in a pair, you can lower the back seat and bring along more luggage in the 4-door Wrangler than in the 54.7 cubic feet of space in the Cherokee.

Letting in the Fresh Air

Are we there yet? When you’re excited to get to your next outdoor adventure, both the Cherokee and Wrangler offer ways to bring that fresh air feeling inside the cabin.

With the Jeep Cherokee, you’ll have the available CommandView® Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof. This places sunroof panels over both the first- and second-row seats. Open them up, breathe in that fresh air, and bathe in the abundant sunshine.

The Jeep Wrangler takes a different approach. It features three different roof options that can be fully removed so that that bright blue sky is your ceiling. You can also remove the doors and windshield to get even closer to nature while you drive.

Will You Drive the 2021 Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Wrangler?

Both the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler are ideal for adventurous individuals and families in the Hamilton, Madison, and Smyrna, New York, areas. So, which one will you drive? The team at Friendly CDJR can help you figure that out! We’ll show you around our inventory and talk about the pros and cons of each model with you before getting you behind the wheel for a test drive.

Are you ready to get started? Contact us to schedule a test drive today!