Jeep Cherokee vs. Jeep Wrangler
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler.
When we compare the Jeep Cherokee's and the Jeep Wrangler's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Cherokee has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Jeep Wrangler has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Cherokee's and the Jeep Wrangler's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler is a better car than the Jeep Cherokee.
Pricing: A used 2023 Jeep Cherokee ranges from $27,796 to $41,835 while a used 2024 Jeep Wrangler is priced between $37,688 to $97,191. For a new model, the Jeep Cherokee's price is between $33,501 and $44,825, with the Jeep Wrangler priced between $41,581 and $93,606.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Jeep Cherokee loses 43.2 percent of its value and the Jeep Wrangler loses 26.4 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Wrangler retains 16.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Jeep Cherokee.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.8 out of 10 while the Jeep Wrangler's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Cherokee being ranked 14 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Jeep Wrangler being ranked 8 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.7 out of 10. For the Jeep Wrangler the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Jeep Wrangler a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Jeep Cherokee.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Jeep Cherokee’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Jeep Wrangler base engine makes 285 horsepower. The Cherokee is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 458 miles. The Wrangler is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 403 miles. This gives the Jeep Cherokee the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Wrangler. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Jeep Wrangler, a midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Jeep Cherokee, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Jeep Cherokee has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,501 - $44,825
Starting MSRP:
$37,695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,723
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,610 - $37,695
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,581 - $93,606
Starting MSRP:
$31,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,114
Price Range:
$27,796 - $41,835
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,802
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,898 - $34,114
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
406
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
28,536
# Good or Great Deals:
143
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$59,331
Price Range:
$37,688 - $97,191
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
14,571
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
847
# Good or Great Deals:
520
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$16,921
Depreciation %:
44.9%
Resale Value $:
$20,774
Residual Value %:
55.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
44.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
44.9% - 44.9%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$8,811
Depreciation %:
27.5%
Resale Value $:
$23,184
Residual Value %:
72.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Jeep Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Jeep Wrangler Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Cherokee
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
8.9 - 12.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
21.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Wrangler
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.5 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Jeep Cherokee Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 59Ranking
51 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Jeep Wrangler Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 16Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 32Summary Review
The Jeep Cherokee has come a long way since its introduction in 1974. The current generation, introduced in 2014, was given an exterior update in 2019, along with some added engine options. The Cherokee is best known for its fuel economy, off-road capability, and family friendly design. New models cost an average of $32,172 and 3-year-old models average $22,989.
Summary Review
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV with off-road prowess few vehicles can match. The current Wrangler was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $41,959 and 3-year-old models averaging $34,489.
Pros and Cons
- Suspension capable for both on-road and off-road use
- Excellent infotainment touchscreen and user interface
- Smart interior design and comfort
- Base engines feel underpowered
- Wind and road noise at highway speeds
- Cargo capacity is limited compared to rivals
Pros and Cons
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Powerful engine options
- Pricing climbs quickly with higher trims and options
- Fuel economy isn’t great
- Lots of road and wind noise
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels
Altitude Lux, Trailhawk
Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
Rubicon, Rubicon 392, Rubicon 392 Final Edition, Rubicon X, Sahara, Sport, Sport RHD, Sport S, Willys
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.046 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
332 / 458 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 403 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
128.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Cargo Space:
31.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3875 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4012 lbs
Width:
73.9 inches
Height:
73.6 inches
Length:
166.8 inches
Wheelbase:
96.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat / Sting-Gray Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Green
Not available
Pink
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clear Coat
Blue
Bikini Pearl Coat / Earl Clear Coat / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Anvil Clear Coat / Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Green
Sarge Green Clear Coat
Pink
Tuscadero Pearl Coat
Red
Firecracker Red Clear Coat
Silver
Silver Zynith Clear Coat
Yellow
High Velocity Clear Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
