Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · Cherokee Research
Three hybrid SUVs with very different priorities. The RAV4 chases mpg, the CR-V chases cargo room, and the Cherokee puts 4x4 and towing on every trim. Here is how they line up, trim by trim and number by number.
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.6L turbo hybrid, eCVT | Hybrid (hybrid-only lineup) | Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 210 hp | 226 hp FWD / 236 hp AWD | 204 hp |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | — | — |
| Driveline | 4x4 standard on every trim | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb AWD / 1,750 lb FWD | About 1,000 lb |
| Cargo behind rear seat / max | 33.6 / 68.3 cu ft | — | 36.3 / 76.5 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 8.0 in | — | — |
| Curb weight | 4,295 lb | About 3,715 lb | — |
CR-V Hybrid cargo behind the rear seat is 34.7 cu ft on Sport Touring. Published CR-V Hybrid towing figures vary; we show the conservative 1,000 lb. Torque is left out for the Toyota and Honda because published figures don't agree on a system number.
| Model and version | City / Hwy / Combined mpg |
|---|---|
| Jeep Cherokee 4x4 (all trims) | 39 / 35 / 37 |
| Toyota RAV4 FWD | 47 / 40 / 43 |
| Toyota RAV4 AWD SE/LE | 46 / 39 / 42 |
| Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE | 45 / 38 / 41 |
| Toyota RAV4 AWD Limited/XSE | 43 / 37 / 41 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid FWD | 43 / 36 / 40 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD | 40 / 34 / 37 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid TrailSport AWD | 38 / 33 / 35 |
The RAV4 leads on fuel economy in every version. Against the CR-V Hybrid, it depends on the trim: the Cherokee ties the regular AWD CR-V at 37 combined and beats the off-road-styled TrailSport, which is rated 35. The Cherokee is also rated 1 mpg better than the AWD CR-V on the highway (35 vs 34). The Cherokee is the heaviest of the three, about 580 lb heavier than the RAV4, which is a big part of why it trails Toyota at the pump. For a closer look at how the Jeep's hybrid system works, see our Cherokee hybrid mpg guide.
The RAV4 and CR-V Hybrid are sold in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, and the FWD versions get the best mpg. The Cherokee has no front-drive version. Every trim has Jeep Active Drive I 4x4, which runs in 4x2 with the rear axle fully disconnected and engages the rear wheels automatically when it detects slip. Selec-Terrain adds Auto, Sport, Snow and Sand/Mud modes.
Active Drive I is a single-speed system with open differentials, so it is built for rain, snow, dirt roads and campground access, not rock crawling. If you want low range and a Rock mode, that arrives on the 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk.
Towing is where the three split most clearly. The Cherokee is rated up to 3,500 lb when properly equipped, which calls for the Trailer-Tow Group. The AWD RAV4 matches that, but the FWD RAV4 drops to 1,750 lb. The CR-V Hybrid tops out at about 1,000 lb in the most conservative published figure, which covers a small utility trailer but not much more.
Cargo goes the other way. The CR-V Hybrid has 36.3 cu ft behind the rear seat and 76.5 cu ft with it folded, versus 33.6 and 68.3 cu ft in the Cherokee. If you regularly fill the back with strollers, dog crates or flat-pack furniture, the Honda has the edge. If you want to pull a small boat to Folsom Lake, the Cherokee or an AWD RAV4 is the better tool.
| If you mostly... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want the highest mpg and drive in mild weather | RAV4 FWD |
| Want high mpg plus AWD and 3,500-lb towing | RAV4 AWD |
| Need the most cargo space and rarely tow | CR-V Hybrid |
| Want 4x4 on every trim, 8.0 in of clearance and 3,500-lb towing | Jeep Cherokee |
| Want a real low range for trails | 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk |
All three are self-charging hybrids, so none needs to be plugged in. The best test is the drive you do every week. Bring your commute, your cargo and your trailer plans, and drive a Cherokee before you decide.
The RAV4. EPA rates the 2026 RAV4 at 41 to 43 mpg combined depending on version, versus 37 combined for the 2026 Cherokee.
It ties the AWD CR-V Hybrid at 37 mpg combined. The FWD CR-V Hybrid is rated 40 combined, and the TrailSport AWD is rated 35.
The Cherokee and the AWD RAV4 are both rated up to 3,500 lb. The FWD RAV4 is rated 1,750 lb, and the CR-V Hybrid about 1,000 lb in the most conservative published figure.
The CR-V Hybrid, with 36.3 cu ft behind the rear seat and 76.5 cu ft max. The Cherokee has 33.6 and 68.3 cu ft.
Yes. Every 2026 Cherokee has Jeep Active Drive I 4x4. The RAV4 and CR-V Hybrid are offered in both FWD and AWD versions.
The AWD RAV4, at 236 hp. The Cherokee makes 210 hp and the CR-V Hybrid 204 hp.
No. All three are conventional self-charging hybrids that recharge their batteries while driving and braking.
Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · 8575 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-892-0515
*Jeep specifications are based on Jeep's 2026 information. Toyota and Honda figures are based on EPA ratings and published 2026 information as available in October 2026; Honda towing is a conservative published figure, so confirm it with Honda. All figures may change. EPA-estimated fuel economy; actual mileage will vary. Towing requires proper equipment; passengers and cargo reduce towing capacity. Pricing on in-stock vehicles excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer document processing charge and emission testing charge. Contact Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for current pricing and availability.