Jeep Cherokee vs Lexus RX
The Jeep Cherokee is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 37 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Jeep Cherokee leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Jeep Cherokee
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 79 configurations
2015–2026
Lexus RX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 59 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Jeep Cherokee | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 37 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 39 mpg ✓ | 37 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 35 mpg ✓ | 34 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,650 ✓ | $2,100 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 241 g/mi | 89 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | Hybrid, 2.4, SIDI, 3.2 | SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 9-spd | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85, Midgrade | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 79 | 59 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Cherokee vs RX: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Jeep Cherokee or the Lexus RX?
The Jeep Cherokee is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 37 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Jeep Cherokee runs about $1,650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,100 for the Lexus RX — a difference of roughly $450 per year.
What engines do the Cherokee and RX offer?
Jeep Cherokee: Hybrid, 2.4, SIDI, 3.2. Lexus RX: SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Jeep Cherokee and the Lexus RX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Cherokee comparisons
Comparison id: jeep-cherokee-vs-lexus-rx