Cherokee vs 2026 RAV4
Different logos, same mission. The Cherokee and the RAV4 both want to be your next car. You won’t find a dramatic mismatch here: the Cherokee and the RAV4 are close on nearly every line that counts.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
Key Differences
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The Cherokee has
The Cherokee is larger on wheelbase, at 113 in compared with 105.9 in. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 105.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Neither the Cherokee nor the RAV4 has a real advantage in the engine & performance category. So engine & performance is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Both the Cherokee and the RAV4 cover safety & tech equally well on paper. On safety & tech alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Engine | 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid (two electric motors) | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 210 hp | 207 hp |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | eCVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 37 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 39 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.9 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 105.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,000 | N/A (not specified) |
“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?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Cherokee or the RAV4?
The Cherokee and the RAV4 split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Cherokee, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the RAV4), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Cherokee and the RAV4 are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story.
Put simply, the Cherokee suits people who care about the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the RAV4 suits people who put the things a spec sheet can’t capture first.
My pick: the Cherokee for anyone focused on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the RAV4 for anyone focused on the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.