What To Know
- 5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- 4-liter engine returns 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the V6 drops to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- The Cherokee offers a wider range of options, including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium audio system.
When it comes to off-road adventures and everyday commutes, the Jeep Cherokee and Hyundai Tucson are two highly capable SUVs that often come to mind. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of ruggedness, practicality, and style. However, deciding which one is the better choice for your needs can be a challenge. This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of the Jeep Cherokee vs Tucson, helping you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Jeep Cherokee offers a range of engine options, including a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, a 3.2-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The Tucson, on the other hand, comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. In terms of power, the Cherokee has a slight edge, with the V6 producing up to 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson’s turbocharged engine delivers 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy is a key consideration for many buyers, and the Tucson outshines the Cherokee in this aspect. The Tucson’s 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Cherokee’s 2.4-liter engine returns 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the V6 drops to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Off-Road Capabilities
If off-road adventures are your primary concern, the Jeep Cherokee is the clear winner. It boasts the legendary Jeep Trail Rated capability, which includes features such as a dual-range transfer case, hill descent control, and skid plates. The Cherokee’s high ground clearance and short overhangs also give it excellent approach and departure angles.
The Tucson, while not as capable as the Cherokee, still offers some off-road prowess. It features a terrain management system that allows you to select different driving modes for various conditions, such as snow, sand, or mud. However, its lower ground clearance and longer overhangs make it less suitable for extreme off-roading.
Interior and Features
Both the Cherokee and Tucson offer spacious interiors with comfortable seating for five passengers. The Cherokee’s cabin is more rugged and utilitarian, with a focus on durability and functionality. The Tucson, on the other hand, has a more refined interior with softer materials and a modern design.
In terms of features, both SUVs come well-equipped with standard amenities such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Cherokee offers a wider range of options, including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium audio system. The Tucson, however, has a more user-friendly infotainment system and a larger touchscreen.
Safety
Both the Jeep Cherokee and Hyundai Tucson have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Cherokee earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS crash tests. The Tucson also received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Good” rating in most IIHS crash tests.
In terms of safety features, both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of airbags, traction control, and stability control. The Cherokee comes with additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The Tucson offers similar features, as well as a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.
Price and Value
The Jeep Cherokee has a higher starting price than the Hyundai Tucson. The base Cherokee starts at around $28,000, while the Tucson starts at around $26,000. However, the Cherokee offers a wider range of trim levels and options, allowing you to customize your vehicle to your specific needs and budget.
In terms of value, both SUVs offer a lot for your money. The Cherokee provides legendary off-road capabilities and a rugged interior, while the Tucson offers a more refined interior, user-friendly technology, and better fuel economy. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual priorities and needs.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between the Jeep Cherokee and Hyundai Tucson depends on what you value most in an SUV. If off-road adventures are your top priority, the Jeep Cherokee is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize fuel economy, a comfortable interior, and user-friendly technology, the Hyundai Tucson is a better choice.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Jeep Cherokee has a more powerful V6 engine option, while the Hyundai Tucson has a more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Q: Which SUV gets better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Tucson gets better fuel economy than the Jeep Cherokee, especially with the turbocharged engine.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Jeep Cherokee is better for off-roading due to its legendary Trail Rated capability and rugged design.
Q: Which SUV has a more comfortable interior?
A: The Hyundai Tucson has a more comfortable and refined interior than the Jeep Cherokee.
Q: Which SUV has more safety features?
A: Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the Jeep Cherokee having a slight edge in terms of advanced driver-assistance systems.