Because the market for used SUVs is saturated, it can be difficult to decide which pre-owned model is best for your lifestyle. This is why it comes in handy to compare the lineup of used SUVs to choose the most suitable one. In this ultimate guide to used SUV models, we will do just that by comparing Chevy vs Jeep. Let’s just jump right in!
Comparing the Models
We could spend days talking about the small details between comparable models like the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse vs the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but that would get tedious after a while. Comparing line-by-line only works if you’ve narrowed down the type of SUV you are looking for. For example, are you wanting to purchase a compact crossover, a full-size SUV, or something in-between? Do you tend to drive more in the city or are you looking for an SUV with enhanced off-roading capabilities? These two questions alone can help you narrow down the list quite a bit.
For compact crossovers, you will be looking at the differences between the used Chevrolet Trax and Equinox models vs the used Jeep Compass and Cherokee models. You could also slip the Jeep Renegade and Wrangler models in there too, but they are geared more for off-roading. Carrying a maximum of five passengers, compact crossovers are great for singles, couples, and small families. They are also ideal for folks with dogs, musicians who travel with instruments, and even artists who go from state-to-state with their creations in tow.
Mid-size SUVs come in the forms of the used Chevrolet Traverse vs the pre-owned Jeep Grand Cherokee. These vehicles still carry five passengers, but they offer quite a bit more cargo space than compact crossovers. They can also tow more weight on average.
Finally, if you’re looking for a full-size SUV, your best bet will be with a used Chevy model because Jeep doesn’t really have anything that stacks up against the sizes of the Tahoe and Suburban vehicles. These two beasts seat seven to nine passengers and have massive cargo areas.
Now that you have a better idea of what type of used SUV you are looking for, you can then look at the performance and capabilities within their class to see which one is best for your needs.
Comparing Performance Stats
If you are looking for an off-roading vehicle, there isn’t much anyone can do to beat out Jeep. The Wrangler is arguably one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world. Highly-customizable and capable of treading water, this is the SUV you want if you’re serious about off-roading. You can get the Wrangler as a two-door compact body style or as a four-door mid-size version. You may also choose between a soft top and a hardtop. Both of these are removable, as well as the doors and windshield. You can strip this rugged vehicle down to the basics for the ultimate outdoor adventure.
If you are looking for something that can handle both daily city driving and light off-roading, you should look into the Jeep Compass and Cherokee models. Both are available in the Trailhawk trim level, which equips each of these vehicles with a stronger engine for better towing and AWD for optimized handling on tough terrain. All-terrain tires have also been added as well as off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, hill ascent/descent control, tow hooks, and increased ground clearance. For added protection, skid plates have been installed underneath these two Trailhawk models to guard against damage from rocks. At the compact level, Chevrolet can’t hold a candle to Jeep’s off-roading capabilities.
Moving to the used mid-size SUV class, the Chevy Traverse and Jeep Grand Cherokee are a bit more evenly matched. However, there is still a substantial difference with the availability of the Trailhawk trim on the Jeep model. Most 2019 and earlier Chevy Traverse models are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates about 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The exception comes with the sporty RS trim, which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 257 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque (starting with the 2018 model). This sporty trim is only available with FWD, while all the other trims can be equipped with AWD.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with several engine choices that can vary depending on which year and trim you get, some of these engines can be found in 2013 models. The base powertrain that is comparable to the Chevy Traverse is the 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 290+ hp and 260+ lb-ft of torque. A diesel turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque is also available at the Limited trim level. Other available Jeep engines include a 5.7-liter V8 that pushes out 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and a 6.4-liter V8 that makes 470+ hp and 465+ lb-ft of torque. For 2018 models through the present, you can find a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that generates an astonishing 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque as well. Needless to say, if you want power, Jeep is your brand!
Comparing Safety
Another factor that many people take into consideration is safety. While Jeep may beat Chevrolet with its sheer off-roading force, Chevy has the upper hand when it comes to safety systems. You should also note that Jeep is lacking in the area of safety features due to its off-roading abilities. Some safety features simply can’t be added due to tasks that drivers want to perform, such as rock climbing and water-treading.
Many newer pre-owned Chevy models come with Teen Driver Technology. This is a system that provides parents with a report card showing how well their children have done while driving. Parents can see where their kids are excelling and where they may still need training. This program will also disable the audio functions until the seat belts have been fastened. You may also be able to find a used Chevy SUV with the Driver Confidence Package. This adds safety systems such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. For used models featuring the Driver Confidence II Package, they will come with additional systems like forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, automatic braking at low speeds, lane departure warning, and lane departure intervention. The highest trims may also come with adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
For comparable safety options with a Jeep, you would need to look at higher trim levels on models such as the Grand Cherokee. While this mid-size SUV is capable of heading off on outdoor adventures, it is also a city vehicle. Higher trims come standard with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, models like the Wrangler don’t have this type of technology.
Making the Ultimate Decision
Choosing a used SUV can be a difficult decision. At the end of the day, it truly depends on what kind of lifestyle you lead and what is best suited to your daily driving habits. For families who spend most of the time in the suburbs or the city, a Chevy SUV will do the trick. If going on adventures is more important to you, then the Jeep is the way to go.
