2020 Jeep Cherokee Cabin Air Filter: Essential Replacement Guide & Key Facts

Your 2020 Jeep Cherokee cabin air filter is critical for clean air inside your vehicle and optimal HVAC system performance. It traps dust, pollen, pollution, and allergens entering through the vents. Neglecting replacement harms air quality, reduces defrosting/defogging efficiency, strains your AC/heater, and can cause unpleasant odors. Replace it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or annually, more often in dusty/polluted areas.

Why Your Cabin Air Filter Matters

Cabin air filters are the primary defense against outside contaminants entering your Cherokee's interior. Unlike the engine air filter, which protects the engine, this filter cleans the air you and your passengers breathe. The air conditioning and heating systems pull outside air through this filter before circulating it inside the cabin. A clogged filter restricts airflow significantly. Reduced airflow forces the blower motor to work harder, potentially leading to premature failure. It also diminishes the effectiveness of your defroster and defogger systems, creating safety hazards during inclement weather. Dirty filters harbor trapped particles and moisture, fostering mold and mildew growth that causes persistent musty odors.

Signs Your 2020 Jeep Cherokee Filter Needs Changing

Recognizing symptoms of a failing filter helps prevent problems. Noticeably reduced airflow from the vents, especially at higher fan speeds, is a primary indicator. If the air doesn't smell fresh or has a musty odor when the system runs, the filter is likely contaminated. Increased allergy symptoms like sneezing or watery eyes while driving suggest the filter isn't trapping pollen or allergens effectively. In severe cases, drivers hear the blower motor working harder than usual or experience whistling sounds due to air forcing its way through blockage. Reduced defogging/defrosting performance on the windshield is a critical sign related to restricted airflow.

Choosing the Right Filter for Your 2020 Cherokee

The correct filter size is paramount. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee uses a specific cabin air filter dimension. Using the wrong size risks air bypassing the filter (rendering it useless) or damaging the filter housing. Consult your owner's manual or a reputable parts retailer using your VIN for confirmation. Main filter types include standard particulate filters made of pleated paper or synthetic media. These trap dust, pollen, and soot. Activated carbon filters incorporate a layer of charcoal, effectively reducing gasses, exhaust fumes (like NOx and SOx), and unpleasant odors alongside particulates. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters offer the highest level of particulate filtration. Major manufacturers like Mopar (OEM), Fram, Wix, Bosch, K&N, and Purolator offer compatible filters. Weigh factors like filtration level needed, driving environment, and budget when choosing between OEM and trusted aftermarket brands.

Filter Type Comparison Table:

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide (2020 Cherokee)

Replacing the filter is a manageable DIY task requiring minimal tools. Allow approximately 15-30 minutes.

1. Safety & Setup: Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and turn off the ignition. Open the passenger door fully. Gather supplies: new cabin filter (confirm 2020 Cherokee compatibility), a flashlight, a small flat-head screwdriver or plastic pry tool (optional), and gloves (optional).
2. Access the Glove Box: Open the glove box fully. Look for the small plastic stops on each side near the top rear edge.
3. Release Glove Box Stops: Gently squeeze the sides of the glove box inward where the stops are located, flexing the sides enough to clear the stops. Depress the stops inward simultaneously. The glove box will drop down significantly further than normal opening, revealing the filter housing behind it.
4. Locate & Open Filter Housing: Behind the dropped glove box, identify the rectangular plastic filter housing cover. It runs horizontally across the opening. On both sides of the housing cover, find the locking tabs.
5. Remove Old Filter: Pinch the housing cover's tabs inward and pull the cover down or straight out (direction varies slightly by model year, but tabs are the key). Remove the cover. Slide the old filter straight out. Observe the airflow direction arrows on the old filter.
6. Install New Filter: Ensure the new filter matches the old one's size and type. Insert the new filter into the housing slot, ensuring the airflow arrows point IN THE SAME DIRECTION as the old filter (arrows usually point UP or towards the vehicle floor). Failing to orient this correctly severely reduces effectiveness. Verify it sits flat and fully seated within the channel.
7. Reassemble: Reinstall the housing cover, pressing firmly until both locking tabs click securely into place. Lift the glove box back into position. Squeeze the sides slightly inward again and push the glove box past the plastic stops until it clicks closed.

Maintenance Schedule & Best Practices

Regular replacement is essential. Jeep typically recommends inspecting the cabin air filter at each oil change and replacing it every 15,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, environmental factors necessitate shorter intervals: Replace every 10,000 miles or less if driving frequently in heavy traffic, high dust environments (dirt roads, construction zones), areas with high pollen counts, or regions prone to wildfires or severe pollution. Adhere strictly to the replacement schedule outlined in your vehicle's manual. Mark your calendar or set a mileage reminder. Visual checks during routine maintenance can confirm condition but don't solely rely on appearance over time/mileage.

Cost Analysis: DIY vs. Dealership/Shop

Cost savings are significant with DIY replacement. Quality replacement filters (standard or activated carbon) typically cost $15-$35. Dealerships charge $60-$120 for the same filter plus labor. Independent shops charge $50-$90 total. DIY eliminates labor costs entirely. Choosing DIY provides control over filter quality and brand. Dealerships use OEM parts, while DIY allows broader selection. For those uncomfortable with DIY tasks or lacking time, professional service offers convenience but at a higher cost. Premium filters (HEPA, high-capacity carbon) naturally cost more ($30-$60) whether purchased for DIY or installed by a shop.

Performance & Health Benefits

A fresh filter immediately improves airflow volume from your vents. You will feel stronger airflow at the same fan settings, leading to faster cooling and heating. The HVAC fan doesn't need to work as hard, reducing noise and potential for motor strain. Occupants benefit from significantly reduced exposure to pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens. A quality activated carbon filter substantially diminishes diesel fumes, exhaust gasses, and unpleasant odors from outside sources, creating a fresher cabin atmosphere. Improved airflow directly translates to faster defogging and defrosting of your windshield and windows, enhancing driving visibility and safety, especially in cold or humid weather. Clean airflow ensures the evaporator core stays drier, preventing microbial growth and musty smells.

Impact on HVAC System Health

The blower motor is responsible for pushing air through the vents. A clogged filter creates high resistance. This forces the motor to draw excessive current to maintain airflow, generating extra heat and stress that significantly shortens its lifespan, leading to costly repairs. Restricted airflow reduces heat exchange efficiency across the heater core (warming) and evaporator core (cooling). The system works harder and longer to achieve the desired cabin temperature, increasing fuel consumption when using AC. Reduced airflow over the evaporator coil hinders its ability to dehumidify incoming air effectively. This makes it harder to clear windshield fog quickly. Trapped moisture and organic material in an old filter provide an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. This growth often lives within the filter itself and inside the HVAC ducts downstream, causing persistent odors originating in the ventilation system.

Troubleshooting Common Issues After Replacement

After installing a new filter correctly, airflow should improve noticeably. If airflow remains weak, double-check the filter is seated correctly and hasn't collapsed or bent during installation. Verify the housing cover is fully latched. Ensure the old filter was completely removed (rarely, fragments can break off). If a musty smell persists, it likely existed before the filter change and developed further down in the HVAC system. Use a specialized HVAC system cleaner spray as directed through the intake or evaporator drain. Run the system on high heat for 10 minutes after cleaning. If noises start after replacement, ensure the filter hasn't shifted, the housing cover is fully secure, and that no packaging material or debris fell into the housing during the swap. Check the filter's orientation arrows again. Improper orientation forces air against the filter media incorrectly, causing noise and poor performance.

Final Recommendations for 2020 Cherokee Owners

Never overlook cabin air filter maintenance. Using only a filter specifically designed and sized for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee ensures proper fit and function. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact specifications. Genuine Mopar filters guarantee compatibility and OEM performance standards. Reputable aftermarket brands like WIX, Bosch Purolator, and Mann-Filter are also excellent choices known for quality. Avoid generic or poorly fitting filters sold as "universal" or for multiple models. Stick to the documented replacement schedule of 12,000-15,000 miles or yearly as a baseline, but proactively replace it sooner if driving in demanding conditions. The simple task of replacing your 2020 Jeep Cherokee's cabin air filter enhances health, comfort, safety, and protects critical vehicle systems, saving money on potential repairs in the long term. Locate your filter housing and check its condition today.