Cherokee vs RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Different logos, same mission. The Cherokee and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid both want to be your next car. This is less a contest than a fine-tuning exercise: both cover the same ground, with only a few meaningful gaps.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has 110 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 320 hp against 210 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leads
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. Point to the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid for 110 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. If this section decides it for you, choose the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.
Total system output
Cherokee: 210 hp RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid: 320 hp The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the Cherokee and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid land in almost the same place. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Plug-in hybrid |
| Engine | 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid (two electric motors) | 2.5L I4 plug-in hybrid |
| Total system output | 210 hp | 320 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | eCVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 50 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Cherokee | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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?
Choose the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid if…
- you want more power (320 hp vs 210 hp)
- you prefer staying with Toyota
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Cherokee or the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid?
On the specs compared here, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid makes more sense for most buyers; the Cherokee doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Cherokee and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. To me, the standout is that the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offers 110 hp more power.
In my head, the Cherokee is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the engine & performance pick.
My pick: the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.