The Jeep Cherokee has long been a favorite among drivers who seek a balance between off-road performance, everyday comfort, and advanced technology. As a compact SUV, the Cherokee is perfect for those who want a rugged vehicle that can handle the occasional off-road adventure but still provides a smooth and comfortable ride on city streets.
In this article, we’ll explore the features, performance, and benefits of the Jeep Cherokee, and why it’s a great choice for drivers looking for versatility and capability in a compact SUV.
1. Engine Options for Every Need
The Jeep Cherokee offers a variety of engine options that cater to different driving styles and needs. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient engine for daily commuting or a more powerful engine for towing and off-roading, the Cherokee has an option for you.
- 2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 Inline-4 Engine: The standard engine in the Cherokee is the 2.4-liter Tigershark® inline-4 engine, which delivers 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a solid balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for everyday driving and light off-road use.
- 3.2L Pentastar® V6 Engine: For those who need more power for towing or off-roading, the available 3.2-liter Pentastar® V6 engine is the perfect choice. With 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides ample power for tackling tougher terrains and towing up to 4,500 pounds.
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: For drivers looking for a blend of power and fuel efficiency, the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine delivers 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers excellent torque for off-roading and towing, all while providing better fuel economy compared to the V6 option.
- Fuel Economy: The 2.4L Tigershark® engine delivers an estimated 22 MPG city / 31 MPG highway, while the 3.2L V6 engine offers an estimated 20 MPG city / 29 MPG highway. The 2.0L turbocharged engine offers the best balance of power and economy with an estimated 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway.
2. Off-Road Performance
As expected from a Jeep, the Cherokee is designed to handle off-road adventures with ease. With its available 4WD systems, Trail Rated® capability, and ground clearance, the Cherokee is ready to take you off the beaten path.
- Trail Rated® Badge: Some trims of the Cherokee, particularly the Trailhawk®, come with the Trail Rated® badge. This signifies that the vehicle has been tested and proven in five key off-road areas: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. The Trailhawk® is designed specifically for serious off-roaders, with features that make it capable of tackling challenging terrain.
- Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System: The Selec-Terrain® system allows drivers to choose from five different driving modes to optimize the Cherokee’s performance in various conditions, including Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Rock. This system is particularly beneficial when navigating different road surfaces or off-road conditions.
- Active Drive I and Active Drive II: The Cherokee offers two available 4WD systems: Active Drive I and Active Drive II. The Active Drive I system is perfect for light off-roading, while the Active Drive II system, available on the Trailhawk®, includes a low-range transfer case for more extreme off-road capabilities, like rock crawling and navigating steep inclines.
- Ground Clearance: With up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance (on the Trailhawk® trim), the Cherokee can handle uneven terrain, rocks, and obstacles with ease. It also features an approach angle of 29.9 degrees and a departure angle of 32.1 degrees, making it well-suited for off-road adventures.
3. Towing and Hauling
The Jeep Cherokee offers impressive towing capacity, making it a great option for hauling trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles.
- Towing Capacity: When equipped with the 3.2L Pentastar® V6 engine, the Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 pounds, which is more than enough for most light-to-medium trailers, small boats, or campers. The 2.0L turbocharged engine offers a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, making it an excellent choice for those who want power and efficiency in one package.
- Payload Capacity: The Cherokee offers a decent payload capacity, allowing you to carry gear, bikes, or other equipment in the trunk and rear seats. With ample cargo space and flexible seating, the Cherokee can handle a variety of hauling tasks.
4. Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Jeep Cherokee combines comfort with practicality. Whether you’re driving through the city or heading out on an adventure, the Cherokee provides a comfortable ride with plenty of advanced features.
- Uconnect® Infotainment System: The Cherokee comes standard with the Uconnect® 4 system, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and SiriusXM® radio. An available Uconnect® 4C NAV system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation is also available on higher trims. This system provides easy access to navigation, music, and smartphone integration, making your ride more enjoyable.
- Premium Audio System: For those who appreciate high-quality sound, the Cherokee offers an available Alpine® Premium Audio System with 9 speakers and a subwoofer, providing crisp and clear sound whether you’re on a long drive or listening to music during your off-road adventures.
- Comfortable Seating: The Cherokee offers available leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats for added comfort, especially on cold days. The rear seats provide ample legroom for passengers, making the Cherokee an excellent choice for family trips or long drives.
- Cargo Space: The Cherokee offers 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 54.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This provides plenty of room for luggage, gear, or camping equipment, making it versatile for outdoor adventures.
5. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a wide range of advanced safety and driver-assistance features to keep you and your passengers safe on every journey. Whether you’re driving on the highway or off-road, these features provide peace of mind.
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: This system detects when you’re approaching another vehicle too quickly and can apply the brakes to help avoid a collision.
- LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist: If you unintentionally drift out of your lane, this system will alert you and can gently steer the vehicle back into your lane to help avoid a potential collision.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: The Cherokee offers available Blind Spot Monitoring to warn you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot, helping you change lanes safely.
- ParkSense® Rear Park Assist: The available ParkSense® system uses sensors to help detect obstacles behind you while reversing and provides audible alerts to assist in parking.
6. Jeep Cherokee vs. Competitors
The Jeep Cherokee faces competition from other compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. Here’s how the Cherokee stacks up:
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4: While the Toyota RAV4 offers excellent fuel efficiency and a solid reputation for reliability, the Jeep Cherokee outperforms it in off-road capability, with its Trailhawk® trim, advanced 4WD systems, and superior ground clearance.
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V is known for its smooth ride and spacious interior, but the Jeep Cherokee offers more power, better towing capacity, and superior off-road capabilities, making it the better choice for those who want adventure-ready performance.
- Jeep Cherokee vs. Ford Escape: The Ford Escape is a strong contender in the compact SUV market, but it lacks the Cherokee’s rugged off-road capabilities and customizable 4WD systems. The Cherokee is the better choice for those looking for a vehicle that can handle tough terrain without sacrificing comfort.
7. Conclusion: The Jeep Cherokee – A Compact SUV with Big Adventure Capabilities
The Jeep Cherokee is a versatile and capable compact SUV that offers the perfect balance of off-road capability, towing power, comfort, and technology. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle for daily commuting, family road trips, or off-road adventures, the Cherokee can handle it all.
With its range of engine options, advanced 4WD systems, Trailhawk® trim for serious off-roading, and ample safety features, the Jeep Cherokee is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact SUV with the heart of an adventurer. If you’re ready to take your driving experience to the next level, the Jeep Cherokee is the vehicle for you.