The Jeep Cherokee is a well-established name in the SUV market, blending the rugged off-road capability that Jeep is known for with the refinement and comfort needed for everyday driving. As a mid-size SUV, the Cherokee offers a versatile package that caters to a variety of drivers—whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle, a capable off-roader, or something in between.
In this article, we’ll dive into the features, performance, and advantages of the Jeep Cherokee, and explore why it continues to be a popular choice among drivers who crave adventure and practicality.
1. Powerful Engine Options: Performance for Every Driver
The Jeep Cherokee offers a range of engine options, allowing drivers to choose the level of performance that suits their needs. Whether you’re looking for efficiency or raw power for off-road adventures, there’s a Cherokee engine to meet your requirements.
- 2.4L Tigershark® Inline-4 Engine: The base engine option for the Jeep Cherokee is the 2.4L Tigershark® inline-4 engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. This engine strikes a balance between fuel efficiency and performance, making it ideal for daily commuting and light off-roading. The Tigershark® engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and impressive fuel efficiency of up to 31 MPG on the highway.
- 3.2L Pentastar® V6 Engine: For those who want more power under the hood, the 3.2L Pentastar® V6 engine is available on higher trims. This engine generates 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, offering a significant boost in power for towing, off-roading, or highway driving. The V6 engine allows the Cherokee to tow up to 4,500 pounds, making it an excellent choice for those who need a vehicle that can haul trailers, boats, or campers.
- Turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 Engine: The most recent addition to the Cherokee lineup is the Turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine, which produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers excellent performance with a strong low-end torque, making it perfect for off-road enthusiasts who need extra pulling power when climbing hills or tackling challenging terrain. With its 9-speed automatic transmission, the turbocharged engine strikes a great balance between power and efficiency.
- 4×4 Capability: The Jeep Cherokee is available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or one of two available 4×4 systems: Active Drive I and Active Drive Lock. The Active Drive I system is ideal for light off-roading and provides full-time 4×4 capability, automatically distributing power to the wheels with the most traction. For more serious off-road adventurers, the Active Drive Lock system, available on the Trailhawk® trim, includes a locking rear differential and low-range gearing for superior off-road performance.
2. Legendary Off-Road Performance
While the Jeep Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that’s comfortable for everyday driving, it’s also a capable off-roader. With available 4×4 systems and Trailhawk® trims, the Cherokee is built to handle a variety of off-road terrains, from rocky hills to muddy trails.
- Trailhawk® Trim: The Trailhawk® trim is the most off-road-focused model in the Cherokee lineup, designed to handle the toughest terrains. In addition to the Active Drive Lock 4×4 system, the Trailhawk® also features skid plates, increased ground clearance, and off-road tires. With these features, the Trailhawk® can handle obstacles like rocks, water crossings, and uneven surfaces with ease.
- Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System: The Cherokee comes equipped with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain® system, which allows drivers to switch between different driving modes for various road conditions. These modes include Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Rock, which help optimize traction and performance depending on the environment. The Rock mode is particularly useful for serious off-roading, providing the best traction for climbing rocks or steep inclines.
- Hill Descent Control: Available on the Trailhawk® trim, Hill Descent Control helps the Cherokee maintain a safe and controlled speed when descending steep hills. This feature is incredibly useful when navigating rough, downhill terrain, ensuring you have full control over the vehicle at all times.
3. Interior Comfort and Technology
The Jeep Cherokee is designed to offer a balance of ruggedness and comfort. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend adventure or commuting to work, the Cherokee’s interior is equipped with the features and amenities to keep you comfortable and connected.
- Seating and Materials: The Cherokee offers a spacious cabin with seating for up to five passengers. The front seats are comfortable, and higher trims offer leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and even a heated steering wheel. The rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom, making the Cherokee an ideal option for families or those who frequently travel with passengers.
- Cargo Space: The Jeep Cherokee provides generous cargo space for a mid-size SUV. With the rear seats up, the Cherokee offers 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Trailhawk® trim has a slightly smaller cargo capacity due to its off-road enhancements, but it still offers plenty of space for gear, luggage, or camping equipment.
- Uconnect® Infotainment System: The Jeep Cherokee comes equipped with the Uconnect® 4 system on the base trim, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® connectivity. Higher trims feature the Uconnect® 4C NAV system, which includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen and built-in navigation. This system offers seamless connectivity for music, apps, and navigation, keeping you entertained and informed on every drive.
- Available Features: In addition to the Uconnect® system, the Jeep Cherokee offers a variety of available features to enhance convenience and comfort, including:
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Panoramic sunroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless charging pad
- SiriusXM® satellite radio
4. Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a range of safety and driver assistance features, making it a great option for families or anyone concerned with safety. In addition to its rugged off-road capabilities, the Cherokee offers advanced tech to help prevent accidents and enhance driver confidence.
- Standard Safety Features: The Jeep Cherokee comes standard with a suite of safety features, including:
- Rearview Camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing.
- Traction Control: Helps maintain grip on slippery surfaces, such as rain or snow.
- Electronic Stability Control: Helps prevent skidding and loss of control, especially on slippery or uneven terrain.
- Advanced Airbag System: Includes front, side, and curtain airbags for added protection in the event of a collision.
- Available Driver Assistance Features: The Cherokee offers several available driver assistance technologies that enhance safety and make driving easier:
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, helping prevent collisions when changing lanes.
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: Detects potential front-end collisions and applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate an impact.
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist: Alerts you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane and helps steer the vehicle back into the lane.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts speed accordingly on highways.
5. Jeep Cherokee vs. Competitors: How It Stacks Up
The Jeep Cherokee competes against other mid-size SUVs, but it stands out in several key areas, particularly off-road capability and overall versatility.
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4: The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability and excellent fuel efficiency. However, the Jeep Cherokee offers superior off-road capability with its available 4×4 systems and the Trailhawk® trim, making it a better choice for those who prioritize adventure and rugged terrain.
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V is a comfortable and spacious SUV with excellent fuel economy, but it lacks the Cherokee’s off-road prowess. If you’re looking for an SUV that can handle both city streets and off-road trails, the Cherokee is the clear winner.
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Ford Escape: The Ford Escape offers a range of engine options and a comfortable ride but doesn’t quite match the Cherokee’s off-road capability. For those who want an SUV that can handle tough trails while still being comfortable for daily driving, the Jeep Cherokee is the better choice.
6. Conclusion: The Jeep Cherokee – Versatility Meets Adventure
The Jeep Cherokee is a versatile mid-size SUV that offers the perfect balance of everyday comfort and rugged off-road performance. With a range of powerful engine options, capable 4×4 systems, and a suite of advanced safety features, the Cherokee is ideal for drivers who want a vehicle that can handle a variety of situations, from family trips to off-road excursions.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV, a capable off-roader, or a combination of both, the Jeep Cherokee delivers the performance, comfort, and versatility you need. With its iconic Jeep heritage and modern features, the Cherokee remains a top choice for drivers who want it all.