Toyota RAV4 Vs Jeep Cherokee Comparison

Toyota RAV4
2020 Toyota RAV4
VS

Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Cherokee

This is the new Toyota RAV4 vs Jeep Cherokee comparison for 2019. We haven’t done a comparison with the Jeep Cherokee for a few years as it is a largely forgotten model and often hampered by bad press for the brand over the last few years. We think the Cherokee is a decent enough SUV and one of the first of a new generation from Jeep. The Cherokee was clearly ahead, at least technically from the last generation RAV4 but has that changed with the all new Toyota?

Toyota RAV4 vs Jeep Cherokee exterior design: The Cherokee was a great design. Released in 2014 it has stood the test of time and still looks as good as other 2019 models including the RAV4. There was an update to make the Cherokee front end less unique and it has worked as it now looks just like any other Jeep in the current range. However we don’t like the update and others seem to agree as well. The new RAV4 is a beneficiary of the Cherokee design language and has a number of similar and derivative design clues. Overall the RAV4 is not flashy without shiny chrome on the outside and ultimately conservative lines, but it does look like a new model on a second look.

Toyota RAV4 vs Jeep Cherokee interior: Jeep does nice but dark interiors and the Cherokee is no different. It is literally a nice place to be especially with the lighter coloured interior option, it’s much better than what you’d expect and ahead of many in the class especially any GM/Holden derivative in the class aka Equinox. However compared to the new RAV4 the Cherokee is looking a little older but mostly fitting the price range. Despite being the same size the Cherokee interior looks and feels tighter than the RAV4 which is odd.

Toyota RAV4 vs Jeep Cherokee engines and technology: The Cherokee has a class average 4 cylinder petrol engine and a good V6 petrol engine. They have deleted the diesel engine option. You don’t need to be a maths genius to see that the Cherokee needs the power of the V6 even if it uses more petrol. The updated safety systems are nice to have including auto brakes across the range and even adaptive cruise control on the high model variants. The main feature the Cherokee has and the only remaining model to have it in the class is a real 4WD system with a low range and multiple diffs and ground clearance. So it makes the Cherokee literally has the best off road capable SUV you can get in this size class. In comparison the RAV4 is an engine and safety powerhouse with Hybrid engine option and 2 decent petrol engines, all designed for minimising fuel consumption design for urban commutes. While there is some AWD hardware it’s not even close to what the Cherokee has.

The conclusion to the Toyota RAV4 vs Jeep Cherokee comparison is draw, at least spec and technically speaking. On one hand the V6 engine and 4WD in the Cherokee lifts it above the RAV4 while the RAV4 has the safety and fuel efficiency that the Cherokee doesn’t have. For us the V6 and off road hardware is a winner despite the need to red line the Cherokee for any sort of performance. However if we only drove around it town that the RAV4 is the winner in all respects.

Toyota RAV4 Jeep Cherokee
Engines
4 Cylinder Petrol
2 Litre (1987cc) 91 Octane
DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 127Kw @ 6600RPM
Claimed 203Nm @ 4400RPM
TigerShark MultiAir2
IL4 Cylinder Petrol
DOHC EFI
2.4 Litre (2360cc)
Claimed 130Kw @ 6400RPM
Claimed 229Nm @ 3900PM
4 Cylinder Petrol
2.5 Litre (2487cc)
DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 152Kw @ 6600RPM
Claimed 243Nm @ 4000RPM
Pentastar
V6 Cylinder Petrol
DOHC EFI VVT
3.2 Litre (3239cc)
Claimed 200Kw @ 6500RPM
Claimed 315Nm @ 4400RPM
4 Cylinder Petrol Hybrid
2.5 Litre (2487cc)
DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 163Kw @ 4000RPM
Claimed 221Nm @ 3600RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1515Kg
Towing capacity up to 1500kg
*Dependimg on engine type
Kerb weight FROM 1638Kg
Towing capacity up to 1\22000Kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 55 litres
IL4 2.0 litre Petrol 6.8 litres per 100km
IL4 2.5 litre Petrol 7.3 litres per 100km
IL4 2.5 litre Hybrid 4.8 litres per 100km
60 litres
TigerShark IL4 Petrol: 8.3 litres per 100km
Pentastar V6: 10 litres per 100km
IL Diesel: litres per 100km
Other specifications
6 speed Auto/manual or CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1685/1865
Overall length/wheelbase 4615/2690
4WD system: 2WD or AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
9 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1631/1859
Overall length/wheelbase 4623/2700
Drive system: AWD or 4WD or Front Only
Tyre size: 235-60-17 235-55-18
NCAP safety rating 5/5
Capability 
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 188mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees) Trailhawk version only!
Approach 29.9 Departure 32.2 Breakover 22.9
Ground clearance (unloaded Trailhawk only) 221 mm
Water Fording depth 508mm Max
Performance
0-100kph 4 Cylinder 10.5
0-100kph 6 Cylinder 7.5
Pricing
2020 FROM $30,640 – 47,140 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
2019 $35,990 – 49,990 AUD
2015 $27,490 – 52,000 AUD
2015 $27,490 – 45,490 AUD
2014 $33,500 – 47,500 AUD