Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Jeep Cherokee
With an overall Carivo score of 6.6/10, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.9/10, while Value at 7.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.8/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
The 8.6/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a suv you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.9/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $31,165–$35,950, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Jeep Cherokee sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.4/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee ranks #2331 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 5% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.8 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,165 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Cherokee Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Jeep Cherokee scores 6.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 6.6 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Jeep Cherokee (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 10/09/2020 · 20V191000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger…
Steering / Rack and pinion / Rack 29/08/2019 · 19V637000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
Power train 07/05/2026 · 26V290000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Jeep Cherokee
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
We rate the 2020 Jeep Cherokee's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee worth buying?
It scores 6.6/10 overall, ranking #2331 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 5% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee cost?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee starts at $31,165 and ranges up to $35,950 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Cherokee years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Cherokee years we've rated are 2015 (6.3/10), 2016 (6.4/10), 2017 (6.5/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.3/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Back over prevention, Steering, Power train (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Jeep Cherokee
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
