The compact SUV market is full of great offerings, like the GMC Terrain and the Jeep Cherokee. These two sport utility vehicles are similar in so many ways that it’s difficult to figure out which one matches your needs. 

U.S. News compared the two SUVs to show where they’re alike and where they differ. Let’s look at what each one offers and which one is more practical for everyday use. 

Overview of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is a five-passenger SUV with a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. The body is 73.2 inches wide and 182 inches long. The wheelbase, which is a bit smaller than the Terrain, is only 106.5 inches. 

Under the hood is a 2.4-liter Inline-four engine that produces 180 hp. However, it only generates 171 lb-ft of torque, which makes it a rather weak motor when compared with others in its class. Paired with it is an automatic transmission with overdrive gear. 

Like the Terrain, the Jeep Cherokee comes standard with aluminum wheels and all-season tires for both the front and the rear. Unlike GMC’s SUV, it also comes standard with an Anti-Theft system, adjustable steering wheel, AM/FM Stereo, smart device integration, and a rear side airbag. 

What does the GMC Terrain offer?

The 2020 GMC Terrain can hold up to five passengers. All of them will have plenty of leg and headroom, no matter where they sit in the SUV. The width of the body is only 72.4 inches, which is narrow enough to allow you to get in and out of the vehicle easily when parking in tight spaces. 

Powering it up is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine that puts out 170 hp with 203 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with an automatic transmission that has a manual gear mode. Front-wheel drive is also standard. 

The GMC Terrain comes standard with a decent amount of safety features. Some of them include the electronic stability control, brake assist, traction control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also comes standard with daytime running lights as well. 

Which one is more practical?

While each vehicle is similar in many ways, there are a few items that make them stand apart from each other. In this case, the GMC Terrain pulls ahead of the Jeep Cherokee. Not by much, but enough to make a difference when choosing one of these SUVs to own. 

Cargo space for the Terrain is 29.6 cubic feet, which is almost four cubic feet more than the Jeep. Fuel economy ratings are a bit better in the GMC than the Jeep as well. The Terrain gets 26 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The Jeep gets 31 mpg on the highway, but only 22 mpg in the city. 

Both of these vehicles have comfortable seating and a roomy cabin. But, if you compare the two interior spaces, the Terrain has more expensive-looking materials. The Jeep Cherokee doesn’t look as upscale as some of the other SUVs in this class. 

The Cherokee wins when it comes to its ability to go off-road and its towing capacity. If these are important in your next SUV purchase, the Jeep would definitely be the way to go. But, if you’re looking for something that’s more family-friendly, the Terrain has what you need.

Both vehicles offer many great features, but the Terrain will appeal more to those seeking a decent family SUV. The Jeep Cherokee will draw the attention of drivers who want more off-roading adventures.