Nissan X-TRAIL vs Jeep Cherokee
What's the difference?

Nissan X-TRAIL

$38,305 - $58,380

2026 price

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Jeep Cherokee

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2020 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

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

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Nissan X-TRAIL

2020 Jeep Cherokee

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

V6, 3.2L

Fuel Type

Electric/Pulp

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.1L/100km (combined)

10.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Gutsy yet frugal hybrid system
Pleasant interior
Lots of kit

Impressive equipment
Some genuine off-road ability
Comfort

Dislikes

No spare wheel
Stronger and more-adjustable single-pedal braking would be nice
Needs 95 RON premium unleaded petrol

Thirsty V6
Boot could be bigger
Pricey servicing

2026 Nissan X-TRAIL Summary

Can you believe that the Nissan X-Trail is 25 years old this year?

It’s safe to say that, over four generations, the Toyota RAV4 rival has been mostly good, though sometimes frustrating. The CVT autos from 2008 onwards have let the side down with dreary performance and questionable durability.

That said, the latest generation has also been the best of the lot, thanks in no small part to 'e-Power' and 'e-4orce' (translation: extended-range electric vehicle hybrid all-wheel drive, or EREV AWD) availability. A terrific allrounder.

Now, for 2026, Nissan has allegedly facelifted the X-Trail range.

Keep on reading to find out what’s changed, and whether the presumably-improved e-Power remains at the pointy end of the 35-strong mid-sized SUV segment.

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Interested in a Nissan X-TRAIL?

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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Deep dive comparison

2026 Nissan X-TRAIL 2020 Jeep Cherokee

Verdict

For its silver anniversary, the X-Trail in e-Power guise remains better than ever. And the flagship Ti-L makes a convincing, value-packed, well-equipped and enjoyable to drive luxury medium SUV alternative for the family. Its only glaring fault is the omission of a full-sized spare wheel.

But other than that, given the Nissan’s warranty, reputation and the fact that it's still so functional, economical, gutsy and easy to live with, the e-Power remains one of our favourite mid-size SUVs. Our choice would be the Ti, though, chiefly because of its comfier 19-inch wheels.

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…

Nissan X-TRAIL vs Jeep Cherokee What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Nissan X-TRAIL vs Jeep Cherokee
What's the difference?