A smaller crossover SUV, the Jeep Cherokee can seat five passengers comfortably while still leaving plenty of room for cargo hauling in the back or on the optional roof rails atop. It comes in four different trims that include: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited. The base model offers 17” steel wheels, all-season touring tires, power accessories, 60/40-split rear bench, USB/iPod/Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker sound system with 5” touchscreen control panel and SD card input. Upgraded trims offer things like leather upholstery, alloy wheels, backup camera, fog lights, roof rails, LED lights (interior), standard household plug outlet (115-volt), front and rear sunroofs, powered liftgate, powered front seats, remote start and adaptable air suspension, amongst many other available add-on options. With the base model, you will get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. You can upgrade this to a 3.2-liter V6 that makes 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can opt for an all-wheel drive version, too, with the V6 model, that’s capable of towing over 4,500 pounds. The standard 36-month/36,000-mile warranty can be extended to a longer term.
2015 model year changes
The Jeep Cherokee was completely redesigned for 2014. Minor changes for 2015 include an engine stop/start function on V6 models, an optional low-speed front crash mitigation system, a safety package with blind spot monitor, rear cross path detection, and park assist and optional ventilated leather seats in the Trailhawk trim.
Competitive comparison
Good ground clearance; available all-wheel-drive; roomy interior; well equipped; bold styling; excellent value
Special features for 2015
The Cherokee is a compact SUV competing with vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. Like the Cherokees that came before, the 2015 model maintains the tradition of competitive pricing and strong off-road capability starting at just under $23,000. While the Cherokee and its competitors are often offered with all-wheel-drive, the Cherokee offers more aggressive off-roading equipment, such as a locking rear differential.
