CR-V vs Cherokee
The CR-V and the Cherokee are direct rivals in the compact suv class, one from Honda and one from Jeep. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 3 of 4 areas go to the Cherokee, and the gap is widest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Cherokee wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Cherokee wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Cherokee wins
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range5.4
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance1.0
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Off-road & Towing7.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Cherokee has better fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Cherokee makes its strongest case: 37 mpg against 30 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Cherokee has 2,000 lb more towing capacity
The Cherokee clearly leads on max towing, and 3,500 lb versus 1,500 lb is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The Cherokee has 51 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Cherokee posts 230 lb-ft against 179 lb-ft for the CR-V, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Cherokee’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Cherokee has 20 hp more power
The Cherokee gets a small bonus on total system output, with 210 hp against the CR-V’s 190 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Cherokee has better city fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 39 mpg for the Cherokee versus 28 mpg for the CR-V. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
The CR-V is the smaller car here, which some buyers will see as a plus and others as a compromise.
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | 188 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | 74.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 113 in |
Engine & Performance
Cherokee leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Cherokee. In its favor, the Cherokee has 51 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Cherokee is the stronger car.
Torque
CR-V: 179 lb-ft Cherokee: 230 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
CR-V: 190 hp Cherokee: 210 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Cherokee leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the Cherokee makes the stronger case by a wide margin. Point to the Cherokee for better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Cherokee is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
CR-V: 30 mpg Cherokee: 37 mpg The Cherokee uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
CR-V: 28 mpg Cherokee: 39 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Cherokee has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Cherokee leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Cherokee leads the off-road & towing section with room to spare. The Cherokee makes its case with 2,000 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. If this section decides it for you, choose the Cherokee.
Max towing
CR-V: 1,500 lb Cherokee: 3,500 lb If you tow regularly, the Cherokee’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CR-V | Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid (two electric motors) |
| Total system output | 190 hp | 210 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | 230 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CR-V | Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 37 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 39 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CR-V | Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 39.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 41 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CR-V | Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 3,500 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CR-V | Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | 188 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | 74.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 113 in |
Price
| Spec | CR-V | Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $35,000 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the CR-V if…
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
- you already use other Honda products
Choose the Cherokee if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (37 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (3,500 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (230 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (210 hp vs 190 hp)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the CR-V or the Cherokee?
On the specs compared here, the Cherokee makes more sense for most buyers; the CR-V doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the CR-V or the Cherokee?
The Cherokee is the larger of the two. It measures 188 × 74.7 × 67.5 in, compared with 184.8 × 73.5 in for the CR-V.
Executive Summary
The CR-V and the Cherokee are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. What tips it for me is that the Cherokee has better fuel economy. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Cherokee has 2,000 lb more towing capacity.
Think about your week. Heavy on the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The CR-V. More about engine & performance? The Cherokee.
My pick: the Cherokee.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.