2019 Jeep vs. 2020 Jeep: Which Is Better?
Your preferences on price, engine options, and the latest tech and safety features help determine which Jeep model year you pick as your next vehicle.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Brenna Swanston
The 2019
Jeep
Wrangler offers updated safety features but lacks the variety of engine options offered in the 2020 model. For drivers who want various Special Edition trim options and cutting-edge tech features, the 2020 Cherokee
and Grand Cherokee
models outdo their 2019 counterparts.Jeeps range from burly to luxe and have tons of customization options, so if you’re looking for a gently used Jeep from 2019 or 2020, how do you know which is better? And what can you expect to pay for
car insurance
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2019 Jeep vs. 2020 Jeep: What’s the difference?
Jeep fans run the gamut from off-road enthusiasts to SUV drivers with a sporty side. Whether you’ve got your mind set on a Wrangler or prefer the more traditional SUV body style of a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee, there are many options between the 2019 and 2020 model years.
If you’re hoping for a full-fledged redesign, you’ll get a taste of it in all three 2019 models. The Wrangler was redesigned in 2018, so the carry-over to the subsequent two model years still feels fresh. Both the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee underwent an exterior redesign in 2019 which remained mostly unchanged for 2020.
Pricing
The cheapest Jeep model out of the three is going to be the 2019 Cherokee. The base model Latitude has an average starting MSRP of $25,045.
Upgrading trim levels on any vehicle increases the price, but if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, a sturdy base model Jeep gets the job done. Check out the table below to see how MSRPs vary among base models of the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee for 2019 and 2020.
Model | 2019 MSRP | 2020 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
Jeep Wrangler Sport | $28,045 | $28,295 |
Jeep Cherokee Latitude | $25,045 | $25,840 |
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo | $31,945 | $32,150 |
MORE:
Jeep resale value
General specs
Looking at general specs is a great way to narrow down what you truly desire in your Jeep. If you want an off-road beast, the Wrangler is the obvious choice of the three. Need a family-friendly vehicle that can tow a heavy load when duty calls?—if so, perhaps only the Grand Cherokee will do.
The table below breaks down some of these specs—plus how they differ between the 2019 and 2020 model years.
2019 Jeep Wrangler | 2020 Jeep Wrangler | 2019 Jeep Cherokee | 2020 Jeep Cherokee | 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Base engine | 3.6-liter V6 engine (285 horsepower ) | 3.6-liter V6 engine (285 horsepower ) | 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower) | 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower) | 3.6-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower ) | 3.6-liter V6 engine (293 horsepower ) |
Upgrade engine | 3-liter EcoDiesel V6 (260 horsepower | 3-liter EcoDiesel V6 (260 horsepower | 2-liter turbo four-cylinder (270 horsepower), 3.2-liter V6 engine (271 horsepower) | 2-liter turbo four-cylinder (270 horsepower), 3.2-liter V6 engine (271 horsepower) | 5.7-liter V8 (360 horsepower), 6.4-liter HemiV8 (475 horsepower), 6.2-liter Hemi V8 (707 horsepower) | 5.7-liter V8 (360 horsepower), 6.4-liter HemiV8 (475 horsepower), 6.2-liter Hemi V8 (707 horsepower) |
Hybrid engine | four-cylinder eTorque hybrid | four-cylinder eTorque hybrid/V6 eTorque hybrid | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission | 6-speed manual transmission | 9-speed automatic transmission | 9-speed automatic transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission |
Drivetrain | Four wheel drive (4WD) | Four wheel drive (4WD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Maximum towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 7,200 lbs | 7,200 lbs |
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Fuel economy
If you’re less interested in off-roading and hauling cargo, you might want to hone in on the fuel economy specs of these Jeep models. If you’re leaning toward a hybrid, the Wrangler won’t disappoint.
The
Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited
is a four-door hybrid model. A 2019 Unlimited Sahara gets 22 combined MPG, so it’s considered a mild hybrid. The eTorque hybrid engine is only available with the turbo four-cylinder in the 2019 model, but the 2020 version offers an eTorque engine as a four-cylinder or V6 option. Fuel economy specs won’t vary greatly between the 2019 and 2020 base models of these Jeeps. Here are the typical MPGs for the 2019-2020 Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee:
- Base engine Wrangler: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway/20 mpg combined
- Base engine Cherokee: 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway/25 mpg combined
- Base engine Grand Cherokee: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
Safety ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t rated the 2019 or 2020 Wrangler, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2020 model a four-star rating in the frontal crash test and a three-star rating in the rollover test.
Despite the 2020 Wrangler not having pedestrian detection as part of its safety package, IIHS still awarded a rating of “Superior” in the Front Crash Prevention test. Unfortunately, when it comes to the headlights, IIHS hit the Wrangler with a “Poor” rating—the LED halogen headlights do not utilize automatic high beams, self-leveling, or cornering functionality—all of which are common on lots of other vehicles.
In 2020, the Cherokee rolled out the Advanced Safety Group—an upgrade package complete with lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and rain-sensing wipers. These features are also available on select upper trims of the 2020 Grand Cherokee if you opt for the Protech Package III.
Styling and interior changes
The Wrangler was redesigned in 2018, so styling changes for the following two model years are minimal. Cherokee and Grand Cherokee’s 2019 makeovers included a brand-new front fascia and a hands-free power liftgate. Cherokee also added two exterior colors to the mix: Sangria and Spitfire Orange.
Jeep has done well with decking out its models with creature comforts drivers expect in newer vehicles. The following features are standard on 2019 and 2020 Wrangler, Cherokees, and Grand Cherokees:
- UConnect infotainment screen with apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Folding rear seatback ( Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have split-folding rear seats)
- Multiple USB ports
- Keyless entry (Cherokee)
- Keyless ignition (Wrangler and Grand Cherokee)
- Rearview camera
- Dual-zone climate control (Grand Cherokee)
- Heated mirrors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel (Grand Cherokee)
MORE: Does Jeep have a self-driving car?
Special edition
Jeep has a ton of trims as it is, but it also offers several Special Editions year after year—trims that are designed with elegant or performance-minded materials.
In 2019, The Cherokee and Grand Cherokee offered Limited X and Upland Special Editions, while the 2019 Wrangler offered MOAB—designed for the most diehard off-roaders.
The 2020 Wrangler upped the ante by offering not one but three Special Editions:
- Willys
- Black and Tan
- Freedom
2020 saw Cherokee and Grand Cherokee continue to offer the Limited X and Upland, plus the following Special Editions for both models:
- Altitude
- High Altitude
- North Edition
MORE:
Jeep lug pattern guide
2019 Jeep vs. 2020 Jeep: which should you buy?
Ultimately, the model you choose will depend on what aspects of Jeep most appeal to you. Affordability, a wide selection of engine options, and tech and safety features, are likely to influence which Jeep model—and model year is right for your needs.
Drivers on a stricter budget should be satisfied with the most affordable of the bunch—a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The redesign makes it look and feel updated and the towing capacity is respectable.
If you require that extra touch of luxury in your life, a 2020 Grand Cherokee is the best fit. By upgrading to a 2020 SRT, Trackhawk, or Trailhawk trim you’ll get comfort, power, and great safety features.
Weekend warriors and environmentally-focused drivers should go for the 2020 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. You’ll get two hybrid engine options without losing the rugged, adventurous appeal that is the Wrangler’s calling card.
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