2021 Jeep Cherokee vs Honda CR-V

In recent years, the crossover market has grown fiercely competitive as drivers clamor to get behind the wheel of these superb vehicles. Two of the most popular options today are the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and the Honda CR-V. Which one will better suit your needs around Penn Yan, Geneva, and Watkins Glen?

Below is a Cherokee vs. CR-V comparison prepared by the team at Friendly Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (DCJR) that we hope will help make the deciding statement.

2021 Jeep Cherokee vs Honda CR-V: Performance Specs

Although crossovers may be smaller in size than a traditional SUV, they don’t lack power and performance. As you’ll see below, it will become clear which vehicle has the ability to take you where you want to be with class and power.

When looking at both vehicles, they share some mechanical similarities but ultimately diverge from each other. When you consider the Cherokee, it’s a vehicle with tremendous opportunities to take both on and off the road.

We’ll start by taking a look at their engines, which is where they reflect each other. They share a somewhat similar 4-cylinder powertrain capable of a solid amount of power for an exciting drive. However, the Jeep Cherokee has a 2.4-liter engine, while the Honda CR-V is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine.

The Cherokee continues to lead in this area as it offers additional power and convenience. With the Cherokee, you can choose from three engines. What’s great about this is that they each offer specific advantages that align with your driving needs.

These engines are listed below.

·       2.0-liter Turbo: This achieves 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, giving it a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds.

·       2.4-liter Tigershark® MultiAir® 2: This is designed with efficiency in mind, so much so that it can sustain a driving range of over 474 highway miles on one tank.

·       3.2-liter Pentastar® V6: Equipped with Engine Stop/Start technology, this uses a sophisticated control strategy that turns off the engine when the vehicle brakes to a stop, helping with efficiency. This engine is also able to achieve a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

Each of these options allows you to customize a Cherokee to your specific needs as a driver. It might often be overlooked, but the freedom of choice allows you to drive with confidence. And a sense of confidence naturally makes the ride a better overall experience.

While it’s also a strong vehicle that will accomplish the tasks you put it through, the CR-V falls short here. Aside from offering only a single engine on the base model, the CR-V lacks a strong output. 190 horsepower doesn’t quite match up with the higher speeds the Cherokee can offer.

With high performance on display, it’s easy to see how the Cherokee will take you to your destination, whether on the highway or off-road. Everywhere and anywhere is possible thanks to the power engine options of the Cherokee.

Jeep Cherokee vs Honda CR-V: Off-Road Capabilities

One of the reasons why drivers love crossovers is that they’re naturally versatile. They can easily jump between the highway and back roads with ease. This makes them great vehicles for road trips and recreation. You’ll really be able to see the sights thanks to the capabilities of these vehicles.

Luckily, both the Cherokee and the CR-V offer drivetrains capable of handling the back roads. In the Cherokee, you’ll have your choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) systems to help refine power and stability on off-road trails. The Cherokee has plenty of options, like Jeep Active Drive I & II as well as Jeep Active Drive Lock.

The latter feature––which is standard on the off-road-ready Trailhawk trim but available on others––includes a mechanical rear axle lock and Selec-Terrain® Traction Management with exclusive Rock Mode. With these features, you can rock-crawl while also driving through snow, sand, or mud.

That’s even before we mention that the Cherokee is designed with off-roading in mind. For example, you’ll be able to easily engage in water fording due to the high intakes and special water sealing that keeps the vehicle running smooth and dry. Touches like these allow you to feel confident when you’re out on the unbeaten path.

In the Honda CR-V, you can add in the available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™. This all-wheel drive system is certainly good for powering through poor weather. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have the same off-roading or rock-crawling capabilities as the Jeep Cherokee.

Cherokee vs CR-V: Towing Capacity

In this section, we’ll take a deeper look at the towing capacity of both vehicles. This is a great way to see the difference between these two models. If you’re going off on an adventure or need to move materials for work, you’ll want a vehicle that can do the most with minimal effort or strain.

The Honda CR-V is first here. Even when equipped with the available AWD and other supporting equipment, it tops out at a maximum 1,500 pounds of capacity. While solid, it means you’re limited to light tows—and heavier hauls are out of the question.

When properly equipped, the standard 2021 Jeep Cherokee can handle tows up to 2,000 pounds—and with those optional engines, that number can reach as high as 4,500 pounds. Starting out with 500 pounds more than the CR-V puts it ahead as it is, but with its maximum capability, the Cherokee is the clear winner here.

Find Your Next Crossover Today

We at Friendly DCJR hope you’ve enjoyed reading our comparison here and that it has helped you better decide on your next vehicle. Now, it’s time for you to take the next step. All our prospective Cherokee buyers out there near Penn Yan, Geneva, and Watkins Glen should pick up the phone and call to schedule a test drive today!