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For buyers wanting an SUV with serious off-road chops, the Jeep Cherokee makes a compelling case. With available four-wheel drive, skid plates, and advanced traction tech, the Cherokee can handle tough terrain. But how does it stack up against Chevrolet’s family-focused Equinox SUV? This article compares the off-road credentials of the Equinox and Cherokee to see if Chevy’s offering can hang with the legendary Jeep.
Off-Road Oriented Styling
There’s no mistaking the Cherokee for anything other than a Jeep thanks to its traditional boxy profile. The front features Jeep’s seven-slot grille with rounded headlights and a wide bumper for improved approach angle. Flared fenders, black cladding, and skid plates along the lower body protect the Cherokee from debris while providing a rugged look. Overall ground clearance measures 8.7 inches.
The Equinox has a less macho design that dispenses with any off-road posturing. The front fascia is smooth and arched with a slim grille that would not fare well on the trails. Minimal black plastic cladding protects the lower body. Ground clearance is a low 6.5 inches even on all-wheel drive models.
Winner: Jeep Cherokee – With a rugged design and greater ground clearance, the Cherokee looks ready to conquer the outdoors while the Equinox is clearly aimed at pavement.
Four-Wheel Drive Systems
The base Cherokee uses a basic front-wheel drive setup. Three optional 4WD systems are available, topping out with the sophisticated Quadra-Drive II with an electronic limited slip rear differential and low range gearing for serious off-roading. This system can direct 100% of torque to any wheel as needed.
The Equinox employs a simpler on-demand AWD system that primarily powers the front wheels until slip is detected. It lacks a low range gear and does not offer the degree of torque vectoring found in the Cherokee. Max towing capacity is just 1,500 lbs.
Winner: Jeep Cherokee – The Cherokee’s available advanced 4WD systems, with features like a rear e-differential and low range gearing, are in another league compared to the Equinox’s basic AWD.
Off-Road Technology
To back up its legit off-road hardware, the Cherokee offers useful tech features including Selec-Terrain traction control with Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand/Mud modes; Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control for slick inclines; and a rear back-up camera with dynamic grid lines for lining up with a trailer hitch.
The Equinox lacks any specific off-road tech aids. It doesn’t even offer an integrated trailer hitch. The only concession to leaving pavement is an available lane departure warning camera that can also display a surround-view image to see obstacles around the vehicle.
Winner: Jeep Cherokee – The Cherokee’s purpose-built off-road tech like hill descent control and Selec-Terrain give it clear advantages versus the Equinox’s street-focused tech.
Approach, Departure, and Breakover Angles
Key dimensions that indicate an SUV’s ability to crest hills and clear obstacles are its approach, departure, and breakover angles. The Cherokee boasts impressive numbers, with an approach angle of 29.9 degrees, 21.2 degree departure angle, and 22.9 degree breakover angle. That allows it to take on steep inclines and declines without scraping its bumpers.
The Equinox’s lower ride height and smoothed-out body result in more limited approach (16.7 degrees), departure (23.2 degrees), and breakover (17.5 degrees) clearance. Anything beyond mild trails will leave it scraping the ground.
Winner: Jeep Cherokee – With its increased ride height and optimized approach/departure angles, the Cherokee can climb steeper hills and clear bigger obstacles.
Suspension Flexibility
A long-travel suspension that flexes adequately is key to maintaining traction off-road. The Cherokee’s front strut and rear multilink suspension provide up to 8.2 inches of wheel articulation when crawling over rocks or through ditches. The Trailhawk model gains an extra inch of travel.
The Equinox utilizes a strut front and standard multilink rear suspension suited for road driving. Travel is lower, ground clearance is limited, and the body was not designed to withstand off-road stresses.
Winner: Jeep Cherokee – The Cherokee’s long-travel suspension can better flex and extend to keep the tires planted over rough terrain.
Final Verdict: Advantage Jeep Cherokee
While the Equinox is a nicely equipped compact SUV for the pavement, it is clearly outmatched when heading into the wilderness. The Jeep Cherokee’s available four-wheel drive systems, purposeful off-road technology, increased ground clearance, and long-travel suspension give it a commanding advantage on the trails versus Chevy’s family-first Equinox. For buyers wanting legitimate off-road talent, the Cherokee is the superior choice.
Conclusion
In summary, the Jeep Cherokee is designed from the ground up to competently tackle off-road terrain thanks to features like:
- Rugged off-road styling with greater ground clearance
- Advanced 4WD systems with low range gearing
- Off-road tech aids like Selec-Terrain traction control
- Optimized approach/departure/breakover angles
- Long-travel suspension for wheel articulation
The Chevrolet Equinox is clearly optimized for family hauling on paved roads. While offering available AWD, it lacks any serious design or hardware for off-roading and is easily outclassed by the specialized Cherokee. Shoppers wanting true off-road ability are better served by the Cherokee or other trucks in Jeep’s lineup.
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