Jay Hodge Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
The compact crossover market is chock full of great examples from American and foreign manufacturers. It's no surprise, as the segment offers a great blend of space and comfort within a relatively diminutive road footprint. As cities become less car-friendly and the consensus is away from larger automobiles, compact crossovers such as the 2023 Jeep Cherokee and the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander offer compelling mobility options for those who need them.
The 2023 Cherokee is the last year of production for Jeep’s contender in the segment, while the 2023 Outlander is just one year into the model's fourth generation. Which one is ahead in the best compact crossover race? We'll compare the 2023 Cherokee vs. Outlander in terms of their interior, safety, and performance offerings to find out. And if you want to test drive a 2023 Cherokee, phone the sales associates of Jay Hodge Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Hugo, OK.
The 2023 Cherokee is a two-row, five-seat compact crossover with 101 cubic feet of passenger space and a 26-cubic-foot trunk. This works out much better than the three-row, seven-seat 2023 Outlander with a passenger cabin of 120 cubic feet and just 12 cubic feet of cargo space. Reviews have shown that the third row in the Outlander is unsuitable for adults. Hence, we recommend sticking to the formula of two rows and more cargo space, as in the 2023 Cherokee.
The 2023 Cherokee and the 2023 Outlander offer the expected creature comforts and technological features such as dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. While every 2023 Cherokee features an 8.4-inch uConnect touch screen with Off Road Pages support, the 2023 Outlander offers a choice between an 8- or 9-inch unit, depending on trim level. Rear passengers in the 2023 Cherokee also receive two USB charging ports.
The 2023 Cherokee is a proper off-roader, something most of its competitors can’t do. Every 2023 Jeep Cherokee comes with an all-wheel-drive system, and you have two engines to choose from. These are trim-specific; select Lux Altitude, and you receive a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder mill with 180 horsepower, or choose Trailhawk, and you receive a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine with 270 horsepower. Regardless of engine choice, a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission is your sole gearbox option.
The Trailhawk is a dedicated off-road trim that brings Jeep's Active Drive Lock 4x4 system, hill descent control, low range, dedicated drive modes, and more ground clearance. Off-road spec tires are present too. If you option the Trailer Tow Group package on the Trailhawk, you can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Impressively, the 2023 Cherokee's off-road prowess doesn't come at the expense of on-road behavior; it's still a Jeep you can daily on the school and office run in comfort.
The 2023 Outlander offers two variants, with the standard gasoline variant packing a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with 181 horsepower. A CVT gearbox sends drive to the front wheels, with an all-wheel-drive system available as an option. Then, there’s the 2023 Outlander PHEV plug-in-hybrid that offers 248 horsepower from a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder and two electric motors. Even with an all-wheel-drive system, the 2023 Outlander is not meant for off-road duties.
The2023 Cherokee offers standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automated emergency braking. But these features are optional on the 2023 Outlander. Both compact crossovers come with airbags, stability control, child safety locks, and daytime running lamps.
If you want the best compact crossover, we say go for the 2023 Cherokee. It’s got a more versatile interior, a great range of powertrains, and far better standard safety equipment. Notably, it’s a proper off-roader that can venture off the beaten trail without compromising on comfort in the city and highway. So head over to Jay Hodge Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Hugo, OK, and check out the new Cherokee range for yourself.
