Doug Henry CDJR
Compact SUVs are fantastic for couples and small families, as they offer a right-sized package. They have enough space for daily errands plus vacations and can easily fit into smaller urban parking spaces. Driving them around crowded city centers is a breeze too. Some, like the 2023 Jeep Cherokee, are proper off-roaders, while others, like the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, offer a more on-road-oriented experience.
The 2023 Cherokee hails from the third generation of the nameplate. It received a facelift in 2019 and some significant changes in 2022. Meanwhile, the 2023 Eclipse Cross is based on the first generation that debuted in 2017 and was facelifted in 2020.
Which one is ahead in the best compact SUV race? Let’s compare the new Cherokee vs. Eclipse Cross in terms of their performance, interior, and safety characteristics. And if you want to see the new Cherokee in the metal, contact the friendly associates of Doug Henry CDJR in Kinston, NC.
The 2023 Cherokee and the 2023 Eclipse Cross are rated to carry five adults, but you’ll find four to be a better number for long trips. The 2023 Cherokee offers 101 cubic feet of passenger space, while the 2023 Eclipse Cross’s sportier looks on the outside mean that it can just provide 95 cubic feet, similar to some subcompact crossovers, the segment below the compacts. Cargo space on the 2023 Cherokee is also ahead, at 26 cubic feet, to the 2023 Eclipse Cross’ 23 cubic feet of cargo space.
You’ll also find features such as automatic climate control, heated front seats, and smart storage options on both compact SUVs. Higher trims of the 2023 Cherokee offer dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and a remote engine start.
While every 2023 Cherokee comes with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and an 8.4-inch touch screen, the same can’t be said for the 2023 Eclipse Cross. Its 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system on lower trims doesn’t support Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™; you’ve got to venture up the trim ladder for the 8-inch touch screen that brings these smartphone integration options as well.
The 2023 Jeep Cherokee has a unique selling point that few rivals can boast. Every 2023 Jeep Cherokee has an all-wheel-drive system, indicating the brand’s proud heritage of off-road prowess. You can choose between a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 180 horsepower or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged one with an impressive 270 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox across the range, and it does a perfect job with either engine.
If you want something a bit more rugged, choose the Trailhawk trim. Then, your 2023 Cherokee gains the Active Drive Lock 4×4 system, dedicated drive modes, hill descent control, low range, and increased ground clearance. You also get more off-road-oriented tires. If you need to tow things frequently, select the optional Trailer Tow Group package, and you unlock 4,000 pounds of towing capability. We must also mention that despite the off-road connotations, the 2023 Cherokee’s on-road manners are impeccable.
The 2023 Eclipse Cross can’t even come close to the 2023 Cherokee’s power or off-road abilities. It’s only got a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 152 horsepower and sends it to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. You can pick an all-wheel-drive system, but that’s best suited for driving on slippery roads, such as in rainy or snowy conditions. Unsurprisingly, the 2023 Eclipse Cross can only tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2023 Cherokee and the 2023 Eclipse Cross come with forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, airbags, stability control, lane-departure warning, child safety locks, and daytime running lamps. The 2023 Cherokee also brings blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist as standard fitment.
The 2023 Eclipse Cross may look like a sporty city slicker, but that’s all it is. If you want a compact SUV that can equally handle city, country, and off-road duties, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee is your best bet. Sturdy, reliable, powerful, and practical, it’s also got more standard safety features. Just come by Doug Henry CDJR in Kinston, NC, and you can check out the new Cherokee.
