Jeep Cherokee vs Mahindra XUV500
What's the difference?

Jeep Cherokee

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2020 price

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Mahindra XUV500

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2018 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2020 Jeep Cherokee

2018 Mahindra XUV500

By Tom White

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

V6, 3.2L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

10.2L/100km (combined)

6.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Impressive equipment
Some genuine off-road ability
Comfort

Cheap way into seven seats
Petrol/auto combination a winner
Hugely spacious third row

Dislikes

Thirsty V6
Boot could be bigger
Pricey servicing

Underwhelming safety
Steering that requires plenty of guesswork
Cheap-feeling interior

2020 Jeep Cherokee Summary

So, you’ve seen the mainstream mid-size SUV players, and you’re looking for something… a little different.

Maybe you’re even looking for something with some off-road ability, and that’s maybe caused you to steer away from segment heavyweights like the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, or Mazda CX-5.

Am I right so far? Maybe you’re just curious to find out what one of Jeep’s main models offers in 2020. Either way, I spent a week in this top-spec Trailhawk to find out if it’s the semi-off-roader it looks to be, or if it stands a chance against the mainstream players.

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2018 Mahindra XUV500 Summary

Just in case attacking Australia's crowded SUV market with a virtually unheard of Indian brand wasn't a high enough hurdle to leap over, Mahindra had made its task even harder - think a Bollywood version of Mission Impossible - by launching its XUV500 SUV here with a diesel engine (which nobody wanted) and a manual gearbox (which few could even remember how to use).

Fortunately, it fixed one of those issues late in 2016, finally adding an automatic transmission to the line-up. And now, at long last, it's fixed the other.

This, then, is the petrol-powered XUV500 SUV. And, on paper at least, it's the most sense-making Mahindra to date.

For one, it's a ferociously cheap way into a new seven-seat SUV. For another, it's pretty well equipped, even from the base level. There's a long warranty, an equally long roadside assistance offering, and there's capped-price servicing, too.

So, should the mainstream SUV players be looking over their shoulders?

Spoiler alert: no.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Jeep Cherokee 2018 Mahindra XUV500

Verdict

The Cherokee is perhaps not going to tempt anyone set on a mainstream mid-size family SUV. But, to those on the periphery who are genuinely looking for something different, there’s a lot on offer here.

The proposition is boosted by the Cherokee’s unique off-road equipment and compelling price tag, but just keep in mind it’s old-fashioned in more than just one way…

Verdict

This petrol-powered and well-priced XUV500 W6 might mark Mahindra's most convincing effort at cracking Australia's congested SUV market, but we're still not completely convinced.

That said, it's certainly cheap, the ownership credentials stack up and it's a very comfortable way to transport seven people.

Jeep Cherokee vs Mahindra XUV500 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jeep Cherokee vs Mahindra XUV500
What's the difference?