Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Jaguar XF

The XF is arguably the

sportiest midsized luxury

sedan. It's taut and agile,

with lively steering,

yet possesses a supple

and composed ride. The 380-hp

supercharged V6 is punchy but may

have too much of a growling sound

for a luxury car. We got 21 mpg

overall with our all-wheel-drive XF.

The front and rear seats are very comfortable, and the trunk is large. But

interior ambience is a bit austere for a Jaguar. The infotainment system is slow

and distracting. The air-conditioning system is rather wimpy. Also available

are a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a wagon version called

the Sportbrake, with all-wheel drive. Automatic emergency braking and blind

spot warning are optional.

OVERALL

SCORE

59

$51,100-$71,800

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 MPG 21

Jeep Cherokee

The Cherokee SUV has a

turbocharged four-cylinder

engine in addition to the

base underpowered and

thirsty 2.4-liter and the

smoother 3.2-liter V6. But that new

turbo engine suffers from a significant

delay, particularly from a rolling start,

and the transmission is neither smooth

nor responsive. We got 23 mpg overall

with the new engine. Handling is cumbersome, but the car remains under

control when pushed. The ride is stiff, and the coarse engine noise mars an

otherwise quiet cabin. The rear seat is roomy, and controls are intuitive with the

optional larger infotainment screen. Limited trims can be fitted with high-end

amenities. The Trailhawk features off-road motifs mostly for looks. Available

safety systems include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning,

lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning.

OVERALL

SCORE

52

$25,740-$38,495

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

2

Jeep Compass

The Compass, which slots

above the Renegade and

below the Cherokee, is

not competitive with

its peers. Power comes

from a 180-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder

engine that we found to be unrefined

and sluggish. Most versions have

the nine-speed automatic, which is

neither smooth nor responsive.

Handling isn't agile, though the Jeep is secure when pushed. The ride is

rather stiff and jittery. The rear seat is too low and flat. The optional 8.4-inch

Uconnect infotainment system is excellent. Available safety features include

forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning.

The Trailhawk is designed to look more off-road-ready, but the Compass is not

intended for such demanding conditions. Overall, other than the allure of the

Jeep brand, the Compass trails the competition in several important metrics.

OVERALL

SCORE

51

$22,105-$29,905

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

1

Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator transforms

the Wrangler into a pickup

truck, using a longer wheel-

base and adding a 5-foot

bed. The only engine is a

3.6-liter V6 mated to either a smooth

eight-speed automatic or a six-speed

manual. With the automatic, the

Gladiator packs some oomph and

returns 18 mpg overall. Unlike other

compact pickups, it uses coil springs in the rear suspension, which makes the

ride relatively civilized. Handling, however, is rather clumsy. The truck comes

with a soft top or an optional removable hardtop. Either way, wind noise on the

highway is loud. The off-road-focused Rubicon has suspension and tires that

are optimized for rock climbing. The damped tailgate is a nice touch. Several

advanced safety features are available, including forward collision warning,

automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning.

OVERALL

SCORE

46

$33,545-$43,875

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

Jeep Grand

Cherokee !

The Grand Cherokee has

a mostly compliant and

controlled ride, comfortable

seats, and a solid, upscale

interior, all of which give it

a premium, substantial feel. Handling

is competent, fit and finish is very

good, and the eight-speed automatic

shifts smoothly. The standard 3.6-liter

V6 returned just 18 mpg, though. Two V8s, a 5.7-liter and the SRT's 6.4-liter,

are optional. The Trackhawk version has a 707-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged

V8 engine. The Uconnect infotainment system, with its large, well-labeled

touch screen, is one of the best we've tested. Appropriately optioned, the Jeep

makes a good tow vehicle or a capable off-roader. Recent updates include

engine stop/start for the revised V6 and an easier-to-use gear selector.

OVERALL

SCORE

73

$32,045-$86,900

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

Jeep Renegade

Built in Italy, the subcom-

pact Renegade looks

enticingly cute but

is bogged down by a

nine-speed automatic

that's neither smooth nor responsive.

Fuel economy with the 2.4-liter

was 24 mpg overall. A 1.3-liter turbo-

charged four-cylinder engine is also

available. Handling is uninspiring, and

the ride is unremarkable. Vibrations while the engine is idling and an overly

touchy brake pedal also mar the driving experience. The Trailhawk version

offers a token amount of off-road capability. Open-air driving is possible

with the optional removable sunroof panels. Optional safety features include

forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and

rear cross traffic warning. Chrysler's easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment

system is available.

OVERALL

SCORE

48

$22,275-$28,145

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

1

Jeep Wrangler

The current Jeep

Wrangler represents a

big improvement to the

off-roading icon while

remaining true to its

heritage. The essential Wrangler

hallmarks remain, with a body-on-

frame construction and solid axles. It

is available in two-door and four-door

configurations. There is a multitude

of options that can quickly drive up the price. The V6 engine provides strong

acceleration, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. We

got 18 mpg overall with this combination. A 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is also

available and has more than adequate power. Handling still lacks precision.

The ride is stiff and jiggly, and there's lots of wind noise at highway speeds,

regardless of roof choice. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency

braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning are optional.

OVERALL

SCORE

28

$28,295-$42,125

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

Kia Cadenza !

The Cadenza is a

competent large sedan

that flies under the radar.

It is considerably bigger

than the Optima and is

competitive with the Toyota Avalon.

The car is roomy and quiet, with

easy-to-use controls. The ride

is pleasant enough, though not

particularly plush. Handling is

secure when the car is pushed to its limits, but the Cadenza is better suited to

long-distance cruising. The 290-hp, 3.3-liter V6 is slick and powerful, and the

eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly. This combination returned 24 mpg

overall in our tests. Higher-end Limited versions include additional soft surfaces

and more luxurious leather seats. All 2020 versions have a suite of standard

advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning.

OVERALL

SCORE

85

$33,100-$44,100

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

2

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