The Jeep Cherokee has long been a staple in the Jeep lineup, offering a unique blend of luxury, off-road capability, and practical features. As a mid-size SUV, the Cherokee offers more space than the compact Jeep Renegade while retaining the rugged, adventure-ready spirit that Jeep is known for. Whether you’re navigating city streets, cruising down the highway, or tackling rough trails, the Jeep Cherokee is built to handle it all.
In this article, we’ll explore the features that make the Jeep Cherokee a standout in the mid-size SUV category, including its off-road performance, engine options, comfort features, and advanced technology.
1. Off-Road Performance: Conquer Any Terrain
One of the standout features of the Jeep Cherokee is its impressive off-road capability. While it’s certainly capable of handling urban environments with ease, it truly shines when taken off the beaten path. Jeep offers several features that help the Cherokee perform in challenging off-road conditions.
- Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk®: The Trailhawk® trim is the most off-road-focused version of the Cherokee. This version is equipped with Jeep’s Active Drive Lock 4×4 system, a locking rear differential, higher ground clearance, and off-road tires to ensure the Cherokee can conquer even the most rugged trails.
- Active Drive 4×4 System: Available on most Cherokee trims, this system provides seamless 4×4 capability, automatically distributing power to the wheels with the most traction. This is particularly useful in slippery or uneven conditions, such as rain, snow, or mud.
- Active Drive Lock 4×4 System: Available on the Trailhawk® trim, the Active Drive Lock system includes a locking rear differential that provides maximum traction when off-roading. This feature is ideal for navigating steep inclines, deep mud, or rocky terrain, allowing the Cherokee to take on trails that other vehicles might shy away from.
- Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System: The Cherokee is equipped with the Selec-Terrain® system, which allows drivers to select from five different modes—Auto, Snow, Sport, Mud, and Sand—to optimize the vehicle’s traction based on road conditions. This feature helps ensure the Cherokee can tackle a wide range of environments with ease.
2. Engine Options: Power, Efficiency, and Towing Capacity
The Jeep Cherokee offers a variety of engine options to suit different driving needs, whether you’re seeking more power for towing or better fuel economy for daily driving.
- 2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 Engine: The 2.4L Tigershark® engine is the standard engine option for the Cherokee. It produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and light off-road adventures. This engine also offers an estimated fuel economy of 22 MPG city and 31 MPG highway.
- 3.2L Pentastar® V6 Engine: For those who need more towing power and performance, the 3.2L Pentastar® V6 is available. It produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, making it the best choice for drivers who plan on towing heavy loads. The V6 engine is perfect for drivers who want to combine power and performance without sacrificing efficiency.
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: For a balance of power and fuel economy, the 2.0L turbocharged engine is a great option. It produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both daily driving and off-road adventures. This engine offers an estimated fuel economy of 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, which makes it the most fuel-efficient engine option in the lineup.
- Towing Capacity: The Jeep Cherokee has an impressive towing capacity, especially when equipped with the 3.2L Pentastar® V6 engine. It can tow up to 4,500 pounds, which is more than enough for hauling a camper, trailer, or boat. The turbocharged engine also provides a solid towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.
3. Interior Comfort: A Refined and Spacious Cabin
While the Jeep Cherokee is built to handle rugged terrain, its interior is designed to provide a comfortable and refined experience for both drivers and passengers. The cabin offers a blend of modern luxury, high-quality materials, and user-friendly technology.
- Seating and Interior Materials: The Cherokee offers seating for up to five passengers, with premium cloth or leather upholstery available depending on the trim level. Higher trims such as the Overland and Trailhawk® feature Nappa leather seats for a luxurious touch. The interior is designed with high-quality materials, providing a comfortable and quiet ride even on rough roads.
- Cargo Space: The Jeep Cherokee offers a generous amount of cargo space for its class, with 54.7 cubic feet of cargo room when the rear seats are folded down. With the seats up, you still get 25.8 cubic feet of space, which is plenty for everyday groceries, gear, or luggage. The Trailhawk® trim also includes a power liftgate for easier access to the cargo area.
- Climate Control and Comfort Features: For added comfort, the Cherokee offers dual-zone automatic climate control, which allows both the driver and passenger to set their ideal temperatures. Higher trims also offer heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheels, and a panoramic sunroof for a more premium driving experience.
4. Technology and Infotainment: Stay Connected and Informed
The Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a range of advanced technology and infotainment features to keep you connected, entertained, and safe while on the road.
- Uconnect® Infotainment System: The Cherokee comes standard with the Uconnect® 4 system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen. For higher trims, the available Uconnect® 4C NAV system features an 8.4-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ integration. This system is intuitive and easy to use, providing access to navigation, music, and apps while on the go.
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio: The Cherokee offers available SiriusXM® radio, which includes over 200 channels of commercial-free music, news, sports, and talk shows. This is a great feature for those who want to stay entertained on long drives.
- Driver Assistance and Safety Features: The Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance features designed to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: This system alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, helping to prevent accidents when changing lanes.
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: The system detects an imminent collision and can apply the brakes automatically to reduce the severity of the impact or avoid the collision entirely.
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist: This feature helps you stay in your lane by providing alerts when you drift unintentionally and can apply slight steering adjustments to keep the vehicle centered.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Available on higher trims, this system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, making highway driving more comfortable.
5. Jeep Cherokee vs. Competitors: How It Stands Out
The Jeep Cherokee faces strong competition in the mid-size SUV segment, but it stands out with its combination of off-road capability, luxury features, and advanced technology. Here’s how it compares to some of its competitors:
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4: The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling mid-size SUVs, offering solid fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride. However, it lacks the off-road prowess of the Cherokee. The Cherokee Trailhawk® provides superior off-road capabilities, including features like the locking rear differential and Selec-Terrain® traction management system, which the RAV4 can’t match.
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V is another popular choice in the mid-size SUV segment, known for its spacious interior and excellent fuel economy. However, the Jeep Cherokee offers more power and towing capacity, as well as better off-road capability. The Jeep Cherokee is a better choice for those who plan to take their vehicle on more challenging terrain or who need more towing capacity.
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Ford Escape: The Ford Escape is a well-rounded compact SUV, but it doesn’t have the same level of off-road performance as the Cherokee. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle tough trails and provide more adventure-ready features, the Jeep Cherokee is the clear winner.
6. Conclusion: The Jeep Cherokee – The Mid-Size SUV for Adventure Seekers
The Jeep Cherokee is a versatile, adventure-ready mid-size SUV that offers a perfect balance of luxury, off-road capability, and practicality. With its Trailhawk® trim, advanced 4×4 systems, and powerful engine options, the Cherokee is ideal for drivers who want to explore the outdoors while still enjoying a refined and comfortable driving experience.
Whether you’re navigating city streets, towing a trailer, or heading off-road, the Jeep Cherokee can handle it all. With its spacious interior, cutting-edge technology, and off-road prowess, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded SUV that can go wherever life takes them.