2018 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2019 Jeep Cherokee

There are few SUVs with the reputation of the Wrangler, so it shouldn’t surprise you that it’s our go-to recommendation for folks who leave the road behind and make their own path. The Wrangler Rubicon is the most off-road capable with:

• Rock rails
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Special off-road tires
• Heavy-duty Dana M210 front axle with M220 rear axle
• A shorter, 4.10 axle gearing with 4.0-to-1 low-range gearing
• Electronically disconnecting front roll bar
• Electronic locking differentials (front and rear)
• Removable roof 

If pure off-road capabilities are your top priority, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler should probably win out over the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. None of this is to say the Cherokee is weak off-road — it offers the Trailhawk trim, after all — just that the demeanor of the Wrangler may better suit Kingsville off-roaders.

If you’ve never had to ask someone to hook their tow hooks to your SUV, you might not need all that the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is capable of, and you may be better off with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee — especially as it lets you take many of the finest comforts with you on- or off-road.

Here’s just a brief look at the features you can find in a Cherokee that aren’t available on the Wrangler:

• Sound-deadening windshield
• Driver seat memory
• Leather-wrapped instrument panel
• Wood trim and wood steering wheel inserts
• Ventilated front seating

Many of the features that make the Cherokee a smarter pick than its competitors might be what entices Port Lavaca