Jeep Cherokee vs Hyundai Tucson
The reborn 2026 Jeep Cherokee and the Hyundai Tucson are both roomy compact SUVs with hybrid options. The short answer: the Cherokee makes the hybrid and all-wheel drive standard and tows more, while the Tucson starts at a lower price, offers gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices, and adds a long warranty. Here is how they compare.
Jeep Cherokee vs Hyundai Tucson: specs compared
Specs compared
| Specification |
Jeep Cherokee |
Hyundai Tucson |
| Starting MSRP |
About $36,995 |
About $29,000 |
| Standard drive |
All-wheel drive |
Front-wheel drive (AWD available) |
| Powertrain |
1.6L turbo hybrid (210 hp) |
2.5L gas (187 hp); hybrid and plug-in hybrid available |
| Fuel economy (combined) |
Up to 37 mpg |
Up to 28 mpg gas; about 38 mpg hybrid |
| Max towing |
Up to 3,500 lbs |
Up to 2,000 lbs |
| Seating |
5 |
5 |
By the numbers
| Specification |
Jeep Cherokee |
Hyundai Tucson |
| Standard all-wheel drive |
Yes |
No (available) |
| Hybrid standard |
Yes |
No (available) |
| Combined mpg |
Up to 37 |
Up to 38 (hybrid) |
| Max towing |
Up to 3,500 lbs |
Up to 2,000 lbs |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
Drivetrain and capability
The Cherokee includes all-wheel drive on every trim and tows up to 3,500 pounds, ahead of the Tucson’s 2,000. The Tucson starts front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available, and it leans toward comfortable on-road driving.
Efficiency and price
The Tucson starts well below the Cherokee and, in hybrid form, edges it slightly on fuel economy at about 38 mpg. It also offers a plug-in hybrid for short electric-only trips. The Cherokee counters with the hybrid and all-wheel drive included on every model.
Power and driving
The Cherokee’s hybrid makes 210 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive. The Tucson offers a 187-horsepower gas engine, a stronger hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid, so it gives you the most powertrain choices in this matchup.
The bottom line for Perry shoppers
Choose the Tucson for a lower price, more powertrain options, and a long warranty. Choose the Cherokee for a standard hybrid, standard all-wheel drive, more towing, and Jeep capability. At ALM CDJR Perry, a new Cherokee can add ALM VIP Club benefits and our Included Lifetime Warranty on qualifying vehicles.
See all Cherokee comparisons
Jeep Cherokee vs Hyundai Tucson FAQ
Is the Jeep Cherokee better than the Hyundai Tucson?
It depends. The Cherokee includes a standard hybrid, standard all-wheel drive, and up to 3,500 pounds of towing. The Tucson starts lower, offers gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices, and adds a long warranty.
Does the Tucson come with all-wheel drive and a hybrid standard?
No. The Tucson starts as a gas front-wheel-drive model, with the hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-wheel drive available. Every Cherokee includes the hybrid and all-wheel drive.
Which is more fuel efficient?
The Tucson Hybrid edges the Cherokee at about 38 mpg combined versus up to 37, and the Tucson also offers a plug-in hybrid. The Cherokee delivers 37 mpg as standard.
Which tows more?
The Cherokee, at up to 3,500 pounds, versus up to 2,000 pounds for the Tucson.
Does the Tucson offer a plug-in hybrid?
Yes, the Tucson is available as a plug-in hybrid with short electric-only range. The Cherokee is a standard hybrid, which needs no charging.
Which should I buy?
For price, powertrain choice, and warranty, the Tucson. For a standard hybrid, standard all-wheel drive, and more towing, the Cherokee. We can arrange a Cherokee test drive at ALM CDJR Perry.