Jeep Cherokee

Inside the Jeep Cherokee crossover SUV is a cabin with a posh feel thanks to the soft-touch surfaces with premium leather trim to minimize the plasticky feel. The dashboard is modern-looking yet still maintains its ruggedness with the 7.0-inch TFT color display instrument cluster with available multi-view data controls which sets as a backdrop to the multifunction steering wheel. At the center is an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible with navigation and voice command. There is also a wireless charging pad, a 6-speaker premium sound system, and an automatic dual-zone air conditioning system for the utmost comfort of passengers. The seat layout is at 2 + 3 with a 40:60 folding configuration for the rear seats for added flexibility.

Unlike the boxy exterior that people have come to know, love and associate with the Jeep brand, the Cherokee fully embraces the SUV vibe. The Jeep Cherokee forego the angular features and went with the soft curves and hood creases. You’d still know that this compact SUV is a Jeep based on its iconic rectangular black front grille with chrome surround for the Limited while the Trailhawk gets metal-look trim. The grille is flanked with Bi-Xenon HID headlights with LED daytime running lights. On the lower bumper is a pair of LED front fog lights and exhaust. On the sides are aerodynamic curves that highlight the fenders wrapped in black matte cladding and exterior mirrors with turn signals. On the rear is a curvy tailgate, LED taillights, rear spoiler with stop lamp, and dual exhaust. On the roof are a sharks fin antenna and roof rails. The Jeep Cherokee measures 4,623 mm long, 1,859 mm wide, 1,669 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,705 mm. It rides on a set of 17-inch aluminum wheels for the Cherokee Trailhawk while the Cherokee Limited gets 18-inch polished aluminum rims.

The Jeep Cherokee is an exhilarating vehicle to drive, especially on the off-road, and to be more specific, the top-of-the-line Cherokee Trailhawk which comes with Select-terrain Traction Management available in every 4x4 Cherokee. It has five settings— Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Rock, that adjusts various vehicle systems according to the terrain for added stability, braking power, throttle control, and acceleration. This means you get to customize a dozen systems of the Cherokee to get optimal performance. Now that’s immersive driving indeed! In fact, the Cherokee can easily outperform almost all compact crossover in the market when it comes to off-roading. In terms of riding comfort, the seats are very comfortable be it on the terrain or paved road. There’s a sense of an upscale vibe despite the compact cabin space which can make passengers feel a bit claustrophobic. Other than that, the MacPherson struts independent suspension system in the front and rear contributes to a cushioned, smooth ride and improves the ride quality by minimizing road noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

The Jeep Cherokee comes in three engine options: one diesel and two gasoline engines. First is the 2.0 Turbo inline 4 diesel engine meant for those who are budget conscious and are looking for efficiency and economical performance. This diesel engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission can deliver 170 Hp of output and 350 Nm of torque. The Euro 5 emissions standards compliant engine uses regular unleaded diesel and has a fuel economy of 22 mpg or 11 L/ 100km for city driving, 31 mpg or 8 L/ 100km for highway, and 26 mpg or 9 L/ 100km for combined city and highway driving range. Second, is the 2.4 TigerShark MultiAir Engine perfect for those looking for more power in their Jeep crossover SUV. The 2.4 L Tigershark Multiair inline 4-cylinder engine with a valve-lift system can deliver a maximum power of 184 Hp and peak torque of 232 Nm. Lastly, is the top-of-the-line 3.2 Pentastar V6 Engine meant to deliver superior performance no matter what kind of off-road element, weather condition, and over any terrain. The 3.2 L petrol engine can churn out 271 Hp of maximum power and 316 Nm of maximum torque. It is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission and uses a four-wheel drivetrain to satisfy demanding drivers. In terms of fuel economy, it clocks in 18 mpg or 13 L/ 100km for city driving, 24 mpg or 10 L/ 100 km for highway, for a combined driving range of 20 mpg or 12 L/ 100km.

In terms of safety, the Jeep Cherokee Limited and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk begin with a strong chassis body made with 65 percent high-strength steel. Brakes are handled by 4-wheel disc brakes and further enhanced by the anti-lock braking system, brake assist, rain brake support, all-speed traction control with driveline and available trailer sway control, electronic stability control, and electronic roll mitigation. For driver assist and convenience features, this Jeep crossover SUV comes standard with a full 7 airbag system, blind-spot warning, rear parking sensors, panic alarm, remote keyless entry, security system, engine immobilizer. Other advanced safety and security features like parallel and perpendicular park assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection, and full-speed forward collision warning with crash mitigation are also available for the Jeep Cherokee.

The Jeep Cherokee is a good, flexible compact crossover SUV that can handle both the daily grind and the weekend off-road terrain adventures. The seats are comfortable for both the short and long drives. Because of the many options available for crossovers, the Jeep Cherokee does not come as a preferred vehicle because of its high price tag and average interiors and cargo space. But if off-roading is a priority, then the Jeep Cherokee can truly deliver powerful performance no matter the terrain or the weather.