When choosing a family vehicle, there are a few key factors to consider: safety, comfort, space, and overall reliability. The Jeep Cherokee has long been known for its rugged off-road capabilities and stylish design, but how does it stack up when it comes to family-friendly features?
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of the Jeep Cherokee as a family vehicle, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your family’s needs.
1. Comfort and Space: Plenty of Room for the Whole Family
A family vehicle should offer ample space for everyone to sit comfortably. The Jeep Cherokee provides good interior space for up to five passengers, with enough legroom and headroom for adults in both the front and rear seats. Whether you’re going on a weekend road trip or running errands around town, the Cherokee’s cabin has room to keep everyone comfortable.
What’s the Seating Like?
- Spacious Front Seats: The front seats are supportive, with adjustable options and available heated and ventilated seating, which is perfect for family trips in all seasons.
- Rear Seats: The back row offers decent legroom, although taller passengers may feel a bit cramped on longer drives. That said, the seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of room for kids or teenagers.
- Cargo Space: With 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, the Jeep Cherokee offers a good amount of room for groceries, sports equipment, or luggage. If you need more space, folding down the rear seats opens up to 54.7 cubic feet, ideal for larger items like strollers, camping gear, or furniture.
Tip: If you need even more space, consider the Jeep Cherokee L (a 3-row version), which offers seating for seven passengers.
2. Safety Features: A Top Priority for Families
When it comes to family vehicles, safety is always a major concern. Fortunately, the Jeep Cherokee comes equipped with a variety of safety features that help keep your family protected on the road.
Key Safety Features Include:
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you if you’re about to collide with the vehicle ahead and can even apply the brakes automatically if necessary.
- Lane Departure Warning: Helps prevent unintentional lane drifting by alerting you if you start to veer off course.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Provides a visual warning if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot, making it easier to change lanes safely.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns you if traffic is approaching when you’re backing up, reducing the risk of accidents in parking lots.
- ParkSense Parking Assist: Helps guide you into tight parking spaces with ease.
The Cherokee has received high safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which makes it a reliable choice for families who want peace of mind.
Tip: For even more protection, consider opting for the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model, which comes with additional off-road capabilities and safety features like a more rugged 4WD system.
3. Technology and Entertainment: Keep Everyone Entertained
A family-friendly vehicle should have features that keep kids entertained during long drives and make it easier for parents to stay connected. The Jeep Cherokee comes with an infotainment system that offers plenty of tech options for both adults and children.
What’s Included in the Cherokee’s Tech Package?
- Uconnect System: The Jeep Cherokee comes standard with the Uconnect infotainment system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. These features allow you to easily connect your smartphone for hands-free calling, navigation, and media streaming.
- Available Upgrades: You can also upgrade to an 8.4-inch touchscreen, which includes more advanced features like navigation and satellite radio.
- USB Ports and Charging: Multiple USB ports are available throughout the cabin, making it easy to charge phones, tablets, and other devices during long trips.
- Rear-Seat Entertainment: For families with young children, optional rear-seat entertainment systems with screens for DVDs or streaming are available, making those long drives more enjoyable.
Tip: If you want even more tech features, higher trims come with premium sound systems, like the Alpine audio system, for a more enjoyable in-car entertainment experience.
4. Driving Comfort and Performance: A Smooth Ride for All
A family vehicle needs to be easy to drive, with a smooth ride and responsive handling. The Jeep Cherokee strikes a good balance between comfort and capability. Whether you’re navigating city streets or venturing off the beaten path, the Cherokee offers a solid, comfortable ride.
Driving Performance
- Standard Engine Options: The Cherokee comes with a choice of three engines, including a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, a more powerful 3.2-liter V6, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. These engines provide enough power for daily driving, highway cruising, and occasional towing.
- Smooth Ride: The Cherokee offers a comfortable, composed ride, with standard front-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive (4WD) for extra traction and stability.
- Towing Capability: If you need to tow a trailer, boat, or camper, the Cherokee offers impressive towing capacity, especially with the V6 engine, which can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
Tip: If you plan to take your family off-road, the Trailhawk trim is the best choice, as it comes with off-road-specific features like skid plates, a higher ground clearance, and the Active Drive Lock 4WD system.
5. Fuel Economy: Efficiency for Family Road Trips
Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider when choosing a family vehicle, especially if you plan to do a lot of driving. The Jeep Cherokee provides decent fuel economy for an SUV, which can help you save money during long road trips or daily commutes.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
- 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine: Offers an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
- 3.2-liter V6 engine: Offers 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged engine: Provides a balance of power and efficiency, offering 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Tip: If fuel economy is your top priority, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is the most efficient option, while the turbocharged engine provides a good compromise between power and fuel savings.
6. Pricing: Fits Many Family Budgets
When it comes to family vehicles, price is always an important consideration. The Jeep Cherokee offers a range of trim levels, so you can choose one that fits your family’s budget and needs.
Pricing Breakdown:
- Base Sport trim starts at around $29,000 and offers solid features like a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera.
- Latitude trim starts around $31,000 and adds features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a larger touchscreen, and additional comfort options.
- Limited trim starts at $34,000 and includes premium upgrades like leather seating, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and advanced safety features.
- Trailhawk trim starts at about $37,000 and is designed for families who want off-road capabilities.
Tip: If you’re on a budget, the Sport or Latitude trims offer great value, while the higher trims come with more luxury features if you’re willing to spend more.
Conclusion: Is the Jeep Cherokee a Good Family Vehicle?
The Jeep Cherokee is a solid choice for families, offering a combination of safety, comfort, and performance. With spacious seating, excellent safety features, and plenty of tech options, it caters to a variety of family needs. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle for daily commutes, family road trips, or off-road adventures, the Cherokee is versatile and reliable.
However, if you’re looking for a third-row seating option or more passenger space, you may want to consider other options like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Jeep Cherokee L.
Overall, the Jeep Cherokee is a great family vehicle for those who want a balance of comfort, safety, and capability, making it an excellent option for families with varying needs.
