The Jeep Cherokee is one of the most popular SUVs on the market, known for its rugged design, strong off-road capabilities, and comfortable interior. Whether you’re looking for a reliable daily driver or a vehicle that can handle off-road adventures, the Jeep Cherokee offers a variety of features and trims to suit different needs. Before making your purchase, however, there are several important things to consider. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know before buying a Jeep Cherokee, from performance and fuel economy to safety features and pricing.
1. Performance and Engine Options
One of the first things to consider when buying a Jeep Cherokee is its performance. The Cherokee offers a range of engine options, each catering to different driving needs. Here’s a breakdown of the available engines:
- 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine: The base engine offers a balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a good choice for everyday driving. It produces around 180 horsepower and is ideal for those who mainly drive on highways and city roads.
- 3.2-liter V6 engine: If you need more power, especially for towing or off-road use, the V6 engine provides 271 horsepower. This engine is a great choice if you plan to use your Cherokee for hauling or tackling rough terrain.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine: For a balance of performance and efficiency, this engine delivers 270 horsepower and better fuel economy compared to the V6. It’s an excellent option for those who want both power and efficiency, particularly on longer trips.
Which Engine is Right for You?
If you’re planning on off-roading or towing heavy loads, the V6 engine may be your best option. However, if fuel efficiency is a priority and you don’t need extra towing power, the 4-cylinder or turbocharged engine will likely serve you well.
2. Towing Capacity
The Jeep Cherokee is known for its impressive towing capacity, making it a great choice if you need a vehicle that can haul trailers, boats, or campers. Depending on the engine you choose, the Cherokee can tow:
- 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine: Tows up to 2,000 pounds.
- 3.2-liter V6 engine: Tows up to 4,500 pounds, which is ideal for larger loads like boats or travel trailers.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged engine: Tows up to 4,000 pounds, providing a solid towing capacity without sacrificing too much fuel economy.
Consider Your Towing Needs
If you plan to tow heavy items frequently, the V6 engine will give you the power you need. For lighter towing tasks, the 4-cylinder or turbocharged engines should be sufficient.
3. Off-Road Capability
The Jeep Cherokee is a fantastic off-roading SUV, especially with its Trailhawk trim. The Trailhawk is equipped with a specialized 4WD system and additional features like:
- Active Drive Lock 4WD system: Offers better traction and control on tough terrain.
- Skid plates: Protect the undercarriage from damage when driving over rocks or rough surfaces.
- Increased ground clearance: Allows for better clearance over obstacles like rocks, logs, and uneven terrain.
If you’re an avid off-roader or plan to use your Cherokee for outdoor adventures, the Trailhawk trim is a great choice. It offers enhanced off-road features compared to the standard models.
4. Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is always an important consideration, especially if you plan to use your Jeep Cherokee as a daily driver. Here’s a look at the fuel economy for each engine option:
- 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine: Around 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.
- 3.2-liter V6 engine: Around 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged engine: Around 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.
If you prioritize fuel economy, the 4-cylinder engine or turbocharged engine will give you the best mileage. However, if you need more towing power or off-road capability, the V6 engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency.
5. Interior and Comfort
The Jeep Cherokee’s interior is comfortable and spacious, with high-quality materials used in the higher trims. Whether you need a family-friendly SUV or just want a comfortable ride for yourself, the Cherokee delivers. Some key interior features include:
- Infotainment system: The Uconnect system is easy to use and comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are available for seamless smartphone connectivity.
- Cargo space: The Cherokee offers 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, which is plenty of room for luggage, gear, or camping equipment.
- Premium options: Higher trims like the Limited and High Altitude come with leather seating, a larger touchscreen, and advanced technology features for a more luxurious experience.
The Cherokee’s interior is designed for comfort and convenience, with features that will make long trips more enjoyable. If you’re looking for an upscale feel, you can choose a higher trim with additional premium features.
6. Pricing and Trims
The Jeep Cherokee is available in several trims, each offering different features and performance levels. The base trim is the Sport, which offers essential features, while higher trims like the Trailhawk and Limited add more luxury and off-road capabilities. Here’s a general breakdown of the starting prices for each trim:
- Sport: Around $29,000 – Basic trim with essential features.
- Latitude: Around $31,000 – Adds more comfort and tech features.
- Limited: Around $34,000 – Higher-end features like leather seats and a premium audio system.
- Trailhawk: Around $37,000 – Off-road-ready trim with enhanced 4WD features.
- High Altitude: Around $40,000 – Top-tier trim with luxury features and advanced technology.
Be sure to factor in additional costs like taxes, destination charges, and optional add-ons when calculating the overall price.
7. Safety Features
The Jeep Cherokee comes with a range of standard and available safety features, including:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning
- Rearview camera and ParkSense Park Assist
Jeep’s Advanced Safety Group offers more advanced driver-assistance systems, but even the base models come equipped with a solid set of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe.
Conclusion
Buying a Jeep Cherokee is a big decision, and there’s a lot to consider before making your purchase. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle with excellent off-road capabilities, a comfortable interior, or strong towing performance, the Cherokee offers a variety of options to meet your needs. By understanding the different engine choices, trims, safety features, and pricing, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect Cherokee for you.
Take your time to test drive different models, explore the available trims, and assess your driving needs to ensure you get the most value from your purchase. The Jeep Cherokee is a versatile and reliable SUV that can handle almost anything you throw at it, whether it’s city driving or off-road adventures.
