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Makes›Jeep›Cherokee›2020

2020 Jeep Cherokee

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Jeep Cherokee
Pictured: 26 Jeep Cherokee Limited AZIAS. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 2WD I4, 4dr SUV 2WD V6, 4dr SUV 4WD I4, 4dr SUV 4WD V6
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl
Horsepower
184–271 hp
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
Length
181.5 in
Curb weight
3,662–4,054 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 271 hp, versus about 187 hp for similar 2020 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.2L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,662 lb (4dr SUV 2WD I4).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 2% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 334 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Cherokee — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Cherokee →

Trims, performance & features

Engine271 hp3.2L 6-cyl
Engine184 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Engine270 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission9-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

LimitedTrailhawkLatitude Plus

Safety & driver-assist features

Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard

Built in: Belvidere, Illinois

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Cherokee configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 2WD I4181.5 in73.2 in66.5 in106.3 in61.8 / 61.8 in3,662 lb57/43
4dr SUV 2WD V6181.5 in73.2 in66.5 in106.3 in61.8 / 61.8 in3,788 lb57/43
4dr SUV 4WD I4181.5 in73.2 in66.5 in106.3 in61.8 / 61.8 in3,962 lb57/43
4dr SUV 4WD V6181.5 in73.2 in66.5 in106.3 in61.8 / 61.8 in4,054 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cherokee FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+2%$2,600345
Cherokee FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-2%$2,700352
Cherokee 4WD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+2%$2,800369
Cherokee 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+2%$2,800370
Cherokee FWD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23-10%$2,900387
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-2%$2,900387
Cherokee 4WD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-6%$3,050400
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22-6%$3,050400
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-11%$3,200416
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 21-11%$3,200432
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
Side crash test — 2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Jeep Cherokee (this car)26 MPG★★★★★3
2020 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★6
2020 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★9
2020 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Hyundai Tucson25 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Mazda CX-528 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (3)

Power Train · May 7, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V290000 · 61,711 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Risk
A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 10, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V191000 · 319,610 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Steering › Rack And Pinion › Rack · Aug 29, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V637000 · 5,294 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
Risk
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Jeep Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

334Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
50,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train195
Engine46
Unknown Or Other37
Electrical System34
Service Brakes25
Steering21
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Vehicle Speed Control8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 224/12: 225/01: 1025/02: 325/03: 825/04: 625/05: 1125/06: 225/07: 1225/08: 925/09: 925/10: 1025/11: 1125/12: 1026/01: 826/02: 626/03: 326/04: 526/05: 926/06: 1426/07: 1626/08: 1526/09: 1926/10: 2824/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 28

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Jeep Cherokee buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 195 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Cherokee years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Cherokee37188.2 inNot rated49
2023 Cherokee24181.5 in★★★★★13
2022 Cherokee26181.5 in★★★★★352
2021 Cherokee26181.5 in★★★★★4176
2019 Cherokee26181.5 in★★★★★111,671
2018 Cherokee25181.9 in★★★★★7688
2017 Cherokee25181.9 inNot rated61,338
2016 Cherokee25181.9 inNot rated91,412
2015 Cherokee25181.9 inNot rated111,778
2014 Cherokee25181.9 inNot rated132,431

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →