Cherokee vs rubicon: a clash of titans for off-road enthusiasts
What To Know
- The Jeep Rubicon has a towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds, while the Jeep Cherokee has a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds.
- The Cherokee has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 31 mpg on the highway, while the Rubicon has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 22 mpg on the highway.
- The Cherokee, on the other hand, has a more modern interior design, with features like a touchscreen infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof.
When it comes to off-roading, the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Rubicon are two of the most popular choices on the market. Both vehicles are known for their rugged capabilities and impressive performance, but they also have some key differences that set them apart. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Jeep Cherokee vs. Rubicon to help you decide which one is right for you.
Performance and Off-Road Capabilities
The Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Rubicon both offer excellent off-road performance, but the Rubicon is considered to be the more capable vehicle. The Rubicon comes standard with a number of off-road features, including a Rock-Trac 4×4 system, locking differentials, and a disconnecting sway bar. These features give the Rubicon the ability to tackle even the most challenging terrain.
The Jeep Cherokee, on the other hand, is more of a crossover SUV. It offers good off-road performance, but it’s not as capable as the Rubicon. The Cherokee comes standard with a Selec-Terrain system that allows you to choose from a variety of driving modes, including snow, sand, and mud.
Towing and Payload Capacity
If you’re planning on towing or hauling heavy loads, you’ll want to consider the towing and payload capacity of the Jeep Cherokee vs. Rubicon. The Jeep Rubicon has a towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds, while the Jeep Cherokee has a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds. The Rubicon also has a higher payload capacity, with a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds, compared to the Cherokee’s maximum payload of 1,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an important consideration for many drivers, especially with gas prices on the rise. The Jeep Cherokee gets better fuel economy than the Jeep Rubicon. The Cherokee has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 31 mpg on the highway, while the Rubicon has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 22 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Features
The Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Rubicon both offer comfortable and well-equipped interiors. However, the Rubicon has a more rugged interior design, with features like leather-trimmed seats and a premium sound system. The Cherokee, on the other hand, has a more modern interior design, with features like a touchscreen infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof.
Price
The Jeep Cherokee is less expensive than the Jeep Rubicon. The Cherokee starts at an MSRP of $27,895, while the Rubicon starts at an MSRP of $41,995.
Which One is Right for You?
The Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Rubicon are both excellent choices for off-road enthusiasts. However, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle even the most challenging terrain, the Jeep Rubicon is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient and affordable vehicle, the Jeep Cherokee is a great option.
Off-Road Performance Comparison
| Feature | Jeep Cherokee | Jeep Rubicon |
| — | — | — |
| 4×4 system | Selec-Terrain | Rock-Trac |
| Locking differentials | Optional | Standard |
| Disconnecting sway bar | Optional | Standard |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 10.8 inches |
| Approach angle | 29.9 degrees | 44.4 degrees |
| Departure angle | 32.3 degrees | 37.2 degrees |
| Breakover angle | 23.6 degrees | 27.8 degrees |
Towing and Payload Capacity Comparison
| Feature | Jeep Cherokee | Jeep Rubicon |
| — | — | — |
| Towing capacity | 4,500 pounds | 7,000 pounds |
| Payload capacity | 1,000 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
Fuel Economy Comparison
| Feature | Jeep Cherokee | Jeep Rubicon |
| — | — | — |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 22 mpg |
Interior and Features Comparison
| Feature | Jeep Cherokee | Jeep Rubicon |
| — | — | — |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Leather-trimmed seats | Optional | Standard |
| Premium sound system | Optional | Standard |
| Touchscreen infotainment system | Standard | Optional |
| Panoramic sunroof | Optional | Not available |
Price Comparison
| Feature | Jeep Cherokee | Jeep Rubicon |
| — | — | — |
| Starting MSRP | $27,895 | $41,995 |
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which Jeep is better for off-roading, the Cherokee or the Rubicon?
A: The Jeep Rubicon is considered to be the more capable off-road vehicle, thanks to its standard Rock-Trac 4×4 system, locking differentials, and disconnecting sway bar.
Q: Which Jeep has better fuel economy, the Cherokee or the Rubicon?
A: The Jeep Cherokee has better fuel economy than the Jeep Rubicon, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 31 mpg on the highway compared to the Rubicon’s 22 mpg.
Q: Which Jeep is more affordable, the Cherokee or the Rubicon?
A: The Jeep Cherokee is more affordable than the Jeep Rubicon, with a starting MSRP of $27,895 compared to the Rubicon’s $41,995.
