What's the Difference: Jeep Cherokee vs Toyota RAV4

What's the Difference: Jeep Cherokee vs Toyota RAV4
Reliability and Quality

According to J.D. Power, the Jeep Cherokee earns a "Great" rating for overall predicted reliability. This shows the strides Jeep has made in the last decade to improve quality and build vehicles that spend less time in the dealership service garage. Toyota, long known for its reliability, falls just short of the Jeep Cherokee's rating, but still earns a score of "Great" according to the experts at J.D. Power.

Both Jeep and Toyota offer a three year / 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five year / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Jeep also offers the Jeep Wave® program, which covers the first three oil changes and tire rotations during the first 36 months of ownership. Toyota offers a similar program, but it runs for two years instead of three.

Off-Road Capability

Thanks to its Trail Rated® capabilities, one area where the Jeep Cherokee really shines is off the beaten track.

A 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 270 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque comes standard on the Jeep Cherokee, but a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 270 horsepower and a stump-pulling 295 lb-ft of torque is available. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard. Thanks to these powerful engines, the Cherokee offers more standard horsepower than the RAV4. Engine options include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder 203 horsepower four-cylinder engine hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. Instead of a punchy turbo engine, Toyota's RAV4 Hybrid has an upgraded powertrain with 219 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. 4,500 pounds of towing capacity is available on the Cherokee, while the RAV4 maxes out at 3,500 pounds.**

Front-wheel drive is standard on the base Cherokee, but a 4x4 system is optional on base models and standard across other trim levels. Move up the lineup and the 4x4 systems get better and better. Jeep Active Drive II 4x4 System has a 4-Low mode and a two-speed transfer case, while the Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 System (standard on the Trailhawk®) features a rear-locker and Rock Mode. The best part about these systems is that they are always on and ready to provide grip when needed. Jeep even provides off-road pages on their Uconnect® system that display information such as wheel articulation, transmission temperature, and suspension height.

Front-wheel drive is standard across the Toyota RAV4 lineup, but Toyota's AWD system is available. Toyota also has off-road tricks up its sleeve, thanks to the TRD Off-Road model, which swaps out the standard AWD for Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, a TRD-tuned off-road suspension, and off-road tires. There's also a driveline disconnect feature that allows for more articulation in tough scenarios.

Those who really want to get out there should opt for the Cherokee Trailhawk®, complete with 10.8 inches of ground clearance, which bests the RAV4 TRD Off-Road by 2.4 inches.

Safety and Driving Assistance

Jeep includes plenty of standard safety features on the Cherokee to help keep families safe out on the road:

• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection
• Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
• LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Electronic Stability Control

On top of these standard features, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist with Stop, a clever parallel park assist that automatically parks your Cherokee, is an option. For those who love to take road trips, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go is also available. There are even automatic windshield wipers, which are perfect for rainy Phoenix days.

Toyota offers Safety Sense™ 2.5 on every RAV4, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), and Automatic High Beams. Unlike the Cherokee, Blind Sport Monitoring is not standard.

Infotainment and Technology

Modern drivers expect advanced technology and the Cherokee absolutely delivers thanks to a Uconnect® infotainment system. At 8.4 inches, the Uconnect® system offers a beautiful and easy-to-read screen with snappy responses. Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® are also standard on Uconnect®, while Trailhawk® models gain Off-Road Pages as well. Limited and Trailhawk® models also get built-in navigation. Audiophiles will appreciate the available Alpine® Premium Audio System that features a 12-channel 506-watt amplifier, nine speakers, and an eight-inch subwoofer.

Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa allows you to control your Jeep from the comfort of your home with only your voice. Guardian™ from SirusXM® brings remote start and vehicle location technology to the palm of your hand. There's even a Wi-Fi hot spot for working or playing while on the road.

Toyota offers a 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and JBL audio on the RAV4, but an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system with six speakers is standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are also featured on the 10.5-inch unit system. In addition to a standard backup camera, Toyota also equips some RAV4 models with a Panoramic View Monitor that shows a full 360-degree view around the RAV4. Qi-Compatible wireless charging is also available on certain models of the RAV4.

There's plenty of tech on each model, but the Cherokee offers more equipment as standard.

Shop Jeep Cherokee near Phoenix, AZ

AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram & FIAT North Phoenix is your Cherokee destination near Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Prescott, Surprise, Chandler, Tempe, and Mesa. We carry a huge selection of new Jeep vehicles, like the Cherokee and Wrangler, along with the best pre-owned vehicles in the Phoenix area. Every vehicle that is sold on our lot must pass a stringent 125-point inspection, ensuring only the best vehicles make it on our lot.

Once you test drive the Cherokee and experience the capability firsthand, we know you'll want to take it home. From leasing to financing, our in-house finance department is here to help make your Jeep dreams a reality. We also take trade-ins, no matter which brand you currently own, even if you still owe money on the vehicle. We're here to help.

Once you're ready for your first oil change and tire rotation, our world-class service center can make getting in and out painless. While you're here, visit our parts department for everything you need to make your Cherokee stand out. AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram & FIAT North Phoenix is ready to be your preferred Jeep dealership.

**Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment.