2022 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Toyota Rav4

Finding the best crossover for Minnesota can be a chore. The segment has quickly gained in popularity thanks to the versatility and simplicity to drive. Combining the best of sedans and SUVs, crossovers have become the all-in-one solution. However, almost every automaker now has a great vehicle in the mix.

Three particular models that have had Bloomington car dealers talking are the Jeep Cherokee, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. Each has its strengths, but which is the best crossover SUV?

Specs

Performance might not be the first thing people look at when deciding on a crossover for sale in Minneapolis. But no one wants to be stuck in a slow vehicle.

While the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 come set with a single engine option, the Jeep Cherokee is offered in three variants. The standard is a 2.4L 4-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. Moving up, there is a much more powerful 3.2L V6 making 271 hp and 239 lb-ft. Lastly, a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder is also available, making 270 hp and 295 lb-ft. All engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

In contrast, the offerings in the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 only match the power of the Jeep Cherokee’s base engine. In the Honda CR-V sits a turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder making 190 hp and 174 lb-ft. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 gets a larger and slightly more powerful 2.5L 4-cylinder making 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V pairs its engine with a CVT while the RAV4 carries an eight-speed automatic. Both are capable engines, just not as capable as the Jeep Cherokee.

If towing capability is a priority, there is no better choice than the Cherokee. The Cherokee leads its class in towing capacity with up to 2,000 pounds towed from its base engine. The V6 and turbocharged 4-cylinder are able to tow an impressive 4,500 and 4,000 pounds, respectively. In comparison, the CR-V and RAV4 are capable of towing 1,500 pounds each.

While fuel economy is within range for all models, the Honda CR-V is able to squeeze out the most miles per gallon with its less powerful engine. The Japanese crossover achieves a city/highway fuel economy of 28/34.

Utility

Crossovers provide the best of both worlds for most drivers’ daily needs. They are able to combine the easy ride of a sedan without compromise to space.

With all three vehicles occupying the same class, it’s no surprise that they all offer very similar interior dimensions. One outlier, however, is the rear legroom of the Toyota RAV4. While the Cherokee and CR-V provide 40.3 and 40.4 inches of space, the RAV4 only has 37.8 inches of space. Aside from that, headroom, shoulder room, and hip room are about the same across the board.

All three options come with comfortable and modern-looking interiors. As with most modern vehicles, a center screen sits in the dashboard to control media and provide vehicle information. The Cherokee comes standard with a 7-inch display or an optional 8.4-inch. The software has been praised by both USNews and Car & Driver for its simple and straightforward usability. The system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RAV4 features a similar 7-inch display with many of the same capabilities. The Honda CR-V, however, only provides a smaller 5-inch screen for its base model. It requires a step up to the next trim to gain both a 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, something that’s standard on the other two crossovers.

Safety

Having a safe car is of course a priority for any Bloomington driver. It becomes even more vital when carrying around a whole family.  Each of these three crossovers has scored well on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s set of tests. Along with great crash safety, each model comes with a robust collection of active safety features.

Found on each model is a forward collision mitigation system. The system will alert the driver visually and audibly to a potential collision. If no action has been taken then each iteration of the feature can apply the brakes automatically.

Another helpful feature found in these crossovers is lane keep assist. Each model will be able to keep track of its position within the lane markings. If it notices that the car may be drifting out of the lane, it will send an alert to the driver. If no corrective action is taken, then each system can gently guide the vehicle back into the original lane.

A benefit of the Cherokee’s off-road prowess allows it to handle Twin Cities winters with ease. Choosing the 4×4 Cherokee adds Jeep’s Selec-Terrain knob. The selector allows for 4 different terrains to be selected, including Snow. With the proper terrain selected, the Cherokee will intelligently send power to the correct wheels, allowing for confident riding through winter weather. If you find yourself driving through flooded streets, the Cherokee’s higher ground clearance also becomes more appreciated.

Head to Head.. to Head Comparison

With the crossover market sitting as today’s most popular segment, it’s no wonder that each brand builds a compelling option. Picking the perfect crossover in the Minneapolis area can be difficult, but for those that want a bit of adventure in their life, it’s hard to go against the Jeep Cherokee.

It’s hard to go against choosing a Jeep when it comes to an SUV. The brand has been built on producing nothing but award-winning SUVs throughout its entire history. The Jeep brand has been recognized by Newsweek to have the Best SUV Lineup in the entire industry.

For those looking to have a smooth ownership experience, look to both the Cherokee and RAV4. Both of these brands offer complimentary maintenance for their SUVs. The RAV4 can come with ToyotaCare, which lasts 2 years or 25,000 miles. The Cherokee comes with JeepWave, which lasts for 36 months. The service also includes no-charge same-day vehicle rental for routine maintenance. There is also trip interruption coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance. The Honda CR-V does not come with any complimentary maintenance.

2022 Jeep Cherokee 

• More Engine Options
• More Powerful Engines
• Higher Towing Capacity
• Higher Ground Clearance
• Intuitive Infotainment System

2022 Honda CR-V

• Better Fuel Economy
• More Cargo Space
• Taller Headroom

2022 Toyota RAV4

• Large Optional Screen
• Wider Rear Shoulder

The Verdict?

The decision between Jeep Cherokee vs Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 can be a tricky one. If you value power and versatility above all, then the choice of Cherokee is clear. It is of course hard for someone to gauge how good a car is from simply reading about it. Whenever the time is right, feel free to come test drive the new Jeep Cherokee at Walser Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff will guide you along your car buying journey.