What To Know
- Both the Jeep Cherokee and Suzuki Grand Vitara offer a range of safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
- According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for the Jeep Cherokee is estimated at $620, while the Suzuki Grand Vitara has an average annual maintenance cost of $520.
- Based on the combination of features, performance, and reliability, the Suzuki Grand Vitara offers a better value for money compared to the Jeep Cherokee.
The Jeep Cherokee and Suzuki Grand Vitara are two iconic off-road vehicles that have been battling for supremacy for decades. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of ruggedness, versatility, and affordability. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Jeep Cherokee vs Suzuki Grand Vitara across various aspects to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next off-road companion.
Performance and Capability
Engine Power and Torque: The Jeep Cherokee offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2L V6 with 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. The Suzuki Grand Vitara, on the other hand, comes with a single engine option: a 2.4L inline-four that produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
4×4 Systems: Both the Jeep Cherokee and Suzuki Grand Vitara offer advanced 4×4 systems that provide excellent off-road capabilities. The Jeep Cherokee features the Jeep Active Drive II system, which automatically adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear wheels based on terrain conditions. The Suzuki Grand Vitara utilizes the AllGrip Select 4-mode system, which allows drivers to choose between different driving modes for optimal performance on various surfaces.
Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles: The Jeep Cherokee boasts a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Suzuki Grand Vitara offers 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The Cherokee has better approach and departure angles, with 30.3 degrees and 27.8 degrees, respectively, compared to the Grand Vitara’s 20.1 degrees and 24.6 degrees.
Interior and Features
Passenger and Cargo Space: The Jeep Cherokee offers a spacious interior with seating for up to five passengers. The rear seats can be folded down to expand cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet. The Suzuki Grand Vitara provides seating for up to five passengers as well, but offers less cargo space at 56.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Infotainment Systems: The Jeep Cherokee comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Suzuki Grand Vitara features a smaller 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with similar smartphone integration capabilities.
Safety Features: Both the Jeep Cherokee and Suzuki Grand Vitara offer a range of safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. However, the Cherokee has a slight edge with additional features such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Reliability and Maintenance
Reliability Ratings: The Jeep Cherokee received a “Below Average” reliability rating from J.D. Power, while the Suzuki Grand Vitara earned a “Good” rating. This suggests that the Grand Vitara is likely to experience fewer problems and require less maintenance over time.
Maintenance Costs: According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for the Jeep Cherokee is estimated at $620, while the Suzuki Grand Vitara has an average annual maintenance cost of $520. This indicates that the Grand Vitara is slightly more affordable to maintain.
Fuel Economy
City/Highway MPG: The Jeep Cherokee with the 2.0L turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Suzuki Grand Vitara with the 2.4L engine gets slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Price and Value
Base Price: The starting price of the Jeep Cherokee is $28,995, while the Suzuki Grand Vitara starts at $26,995. This makes the Grand Vitara a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Value for Money: Based on the combination of features, performance, and reliability, the Suzuki Grand Vitara offers a better value for money compared to the Jeep Cherokee. It is more affordable, has a higher reliability rating, and provides similar fuel economy.
Final Verdict: Jeep Cherokee vs Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Jeep Cherokee and Suzuki Grand Vitara are both excellent off-road vehicles that offer unique advantages and disadvantages. The Cherokee has more powerful engine options, better off-road capabilities, and more safety features. However, the Grand Vitara is more affordable, has a higher reliability rating, and provides better fuel economy.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Jeep Cherokee and Suzuki Grand Vitara depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and off-road capability, the Jeep Cherokee is a better option. If you are looking for a more affordable and reliable vehicle with good off-road capabilities, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is a solid choice.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which vehicle has a better towing capacity?
A: The Jeep Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, while the Suzuki Grand Vitara can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Q: Does the Suzuki Grand Vitara come with a sunroof?
A: Yes, the Suzuki Grand Vitara offers a panoramic sunroof as an optional feature.
Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: The Jeep Cherokee comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.