Last updated: 2026-03-28

Jeep Cherokee vs Volvo XC60: Reliability Compared

Jeep Cherokee reliability comparison

Jeep Cherokee

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableVolvo XC60 reliability comparison

Volvo XC60

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Jeep Cherokee and the Volvo XC60? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Volvo XC60 currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Jeep Cherokee and Volvo XC60 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Volvo XC60 is in its second generation, which debuted in 2017. The model has undergone facelifts in 2021 and 2025, suggesting it is in the mature phase of its generation cycle. Such maturity typically indicates that early issues have been addressed, often leading to improved reliability. In contrast, the Jeep Cherokee lacks detailed generation history, leaving potential buyers with less information on its evolution and reliability patterns. Generally, vehicles in the later stages of their generation, like the current XC60, are more refined, while newer designs may experience typical first-year challenges.

Verdict

The Volvo XC60 is more reliable than the Jeep Cherokee, scoring 74/100 vs 69/100.

The Volvo XC60 demonstrates stronger reliability with an average score of 74/100 compared to the Jeep Cherokee's 69/100. The XC60 has a significantly lower complaint rate of 5.3 per 10,000 units sold and fewer total recalls, with 42 over eight years versus the Cherokee's 105. Although the Cherokee benefits from lower estimated annual repair costs at $520 compared to the XC60's $746, its higher prevalence of powertrain and engine issues, alongside a more extensive recall history, positions the XC60 as the more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

  1. 1Jeep Cherokee costs $226 less per year to repair
  2. 2Volvo XC60 has 63 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Volvo XC60 scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Jeep Cherokee
—
3Volvo XC60
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Jeep Cherokee vs Volvo XC60: Which Is More Reliable?

Jeep Cherokee vs Volvo XC60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricJeep CherokeeVolvo XC60
Reliability Score69/10074/100
Years Tracked88
Total Recalls10542
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume4984242
Annual Repair Cost$520/yr$746/yr
Repair Frequency0.2/yr0.5/yr
Major Repair Risk12%7%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins15

What Are the Common Problems With the Jeep Cherokee and Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 and Jeep Cherokee exhibit distinct reliability profiles, with the XC60 having fewer total complaints at 242 compared to the Cherokee's 4984. The XC60's most significant issues are in the electrical system, accounting for 81 complaints, including 5 crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Cherokee experiences major problems with the power train and electrical system, with 1330 and 1161 complaints respectively, and a notable number of crash-linked incidents, particularly in the air bags category with 65. While both models face electrical system challenges, the Cherokee's issues are broader and more severe, notably in critical safety components such as air bags and steering.

Jeep Cherokee vs Volvo XC60 common problem areas comparison
ComponentJeep CherokeeVolvo XC60
POWER TRAIN13304
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM116181
UNKNOWN OR OTHER57923
ENGINE4152
STEERING37014
SERVICE BRAKES25219
AIR BAGS107—
SUSPENSION1012
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL852
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM52—
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING33—
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE284
TIRES—9
VISIBILITY/WIPER—9
BACK OVER PREVENTION—9
LANE DEPARTURE35
STRUCTURE—8
SEAT BELTS—2
WHEELS—2

Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Jeep Cherokee or Volvo XC60?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Volvo XC60 incurs an annual repair cost of $746, which translates to $1,130 more over five years compared to the Jeep Cherokee's $520 annual repair cost. Additionally, the XC60 requires more frequent repairs at 0.5 visits per year, while the Cherokee averages 0.2 visits annually. Despite this, the XC60 has a lower major repair risk at 7% versus the Cherokee's 12%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Jeep Cherokee offers better value with lower annual repair expenses and fewer visits to the repair shop, though it carries a higher risk of major repairs.

How Does Jeep Cherokee vs Volvo XC60 Reliability Compare by Year?

Jeep Cherokee vs Volvo XC60 year-by-year reliability scores
YearJeep CherokeeVolvo XC60Edge
202575/1003R / 64C76/1004R / 22CVolvo XC60
202366/10022R / 396C74/1005R / 40CVolvo XC60
202167/10018R / 554C75/1005R / 31CVolvo XC60
202076/1005R / 436C75/1006R / 17CJeep Cherokee
201967/10017R / 1833C72/1008R / 33CVolvo XC60
201868/10018R / 1468C74/1005R / 35CVolvo XC60
2026(predicted)69/100(predicted)74/100(predicted)Volvo XC60

Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Jeep Cherokee scored 76/100 and the 2025 Volvo XC60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Jeep Cherokee vs the Volvo XC60?

If you prioritize reliability and are concerned about long-term performance, the Volvo XC60 might be the better choice for you. With a higher reliability score of 74/100 compared to the Jeep Cherokee's 69/100, the XC60 shows fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 5.3 and a lower major repair risk of 7%. Despite having a higher number of recalls (42), its repair frequency is moderate at 0.5 times per year, which indicates a balanced maintenance profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a vehicle with lower annual repair costs and less frequent visits to the repair shop, the Jeep Cherokee could be more suitable. It boasts a lower estimated annual repair cost of $520 and a repair frequency of just 0.2 times per year. However, it does come with a higher major repair risk of 12% and a significant number of recalls (105), along with 4984 total owner complaints, which suggests you may encounter issues with the power train and electrical system over time.

Jeep Cherokee vs Volvo XC60: Common Questions

Is the Jeep Cherokee more reliable than the Volvo XC60?
Based on our data, the Volvo XC60 is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Jeep Cherokee or the Volvo XC60?
The Jeep Cherokee has more recalls (105) compared to the Volvo XC60 (42). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Jeep Cherokee or the Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 has fewer owner complaints (242) versus 4984 for the Jeep Cherokee. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Jeep Cherokee or the Volvo XC60?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Jeep Cherokee is cheaper to maintain at $520/year versus $746/year for the Volvo XC60.
Is the Jeep Cherokee or Volvo XC60 safer?
Both the Jeep Cherokee and Volvo XC60 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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