Compact crossovers continue dominating the automotive space, as seemingly every automaker has gotten into this packed segment. Two not-to-new models in this realm are the Jeep Cherokee and Honda CR-V. These compact SUVs have a lot to offer buyers, but one stands out as a clear winner in value, space, and fuel economy.
In this Cherokee vs. CR-V comparison, we'll review the similarities and differences between these compact SUVs to help you decide which suits your needs.
Jeep Cherokee vs. Honda CR-V Price
The Jeep Cherokee starts at $37,695, which is significantly higher than the Honda CR-V's base price of $29,500 for its LX trim level. In fact, you can stretch to the range-topping CR-V EX-L, which starts at $34,660 and still pay less than you would for the base price Cherokee.
The CR-V also has an optional hybrid model, which starts from $33,350 for the base Sport Hybrid trim level. For a better-equipped hybrid variant, you can opt for either the $36,350 Honda CR-V Sport-L Hybrid or the $39,500 Sport Touring Hybrid.
Lease offers are equally unbalanced between these two small crossovers, as the 2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux 4x4 has a 36-month lease offer that runs $539 per month with $3,799 due at signing. The CR-V, on the other hand, has a 36-month promotional lease offer that starts from $309 monthly with $3,399 due at signing.
Jeep Cherokee vs. Honda CR-V Engine
Powering the Cherokee is a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 180 horsepower (hp) and 171 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission and out to all four wheels. Upgrading to the Trailhawk model not only gets you an upgraded four-wheel-drive system, suspension, and wheel and tires, but it also adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Towing checks in at 2,000 pounds with the base engine and up to 4,000 pounds in the Trailhawk model with the optional towing package.
The base CR-V powerplant is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and out to the front wheels. In the hybrid variant, it pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor and CVT for a combined 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V falls well behind the Cherokee for towing, ringing in at 1,500 pounds in the base model and 1,000 in the hybrid.
If you're looking at fuel economy, the CR-V is the clear winner, with its base model delivering up to 28 mpg city, 34 highway, and 30 combined. The CR-V Hybrid is even better at up to 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined. The Cherokee, on the other hand, delivers only 21 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined with the base engine and 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined with the 2.0-liter engine.
Jeep Cherokee vs. Honda CR-V Interior
The Cherokee takes a big hit for its higher starting price, but it also comes with tons more standard features. The base Cherokee is the Altitude Lux 4x4 trim includes standard Nappa leather seating, an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, navigation, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and much more.
The CR-V is well-equipped in its base trim but not nearly as decked out as the Cherokee. Its standard equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a four-speaker audio system, cloth seating, adaptive cruise control, and more. Moving up to the higher-spec EX-L trim level aligns it with the Cherokee. This higher trim includes standard leather upholstery, a 9-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker audio system, and more.
Jeep Cherokee vs. Honda CR-V Cargo & Seating
Inside, the CR-V and Cherokee are fairly similar in terms of roominess. The Cherokee's rear seats have 40.3 inches of legroom to the CR-V's 41 inches and 38.5 inches of headroom to the Honda's 38.2 inches. No matter which model you choose, there is plenty of rear seat room for people of all sizes.
Cargo room, on the other hand, is where these models differ significantly. The CR-V has a massive cargo area with room for up to 39.3 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats up and 76.5 cubes with the rear seats folded. The Cherokee, on the other hand, can swallow just 27.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.7 cubes with them folded.
Which Is Better: Jeep Cherokee or Honda CR-V?
Overall, the Honda CR-V is the clear winner in this head-to-head competition. It offers better fuel economy, more cargo room, comparable passenger room, and a significantly lower base price. Sure, the Cherokee is better equipped, but you can upgrade the CR-V to match it and still pay less.
The Cherokee isn't without its merit, though. If you're looking to tow a medium-sized trailer or plan to do more than just a little soft-roading, the Cherokee Trailhawk is the model for you.