2018 Jeep Cherokee Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

New Latitude Plus trim level addedMinor revisions to feature availabilityPart of the third Cherokee generation introduced for 2014

　　The 2018 Jeep Cherokee stands out from the competitive small crossover segment thanks to its exceptional off-road ability. That's what Jeeps are known for, particularly in Jeep's Trail Rated Trailhawk trim. Ordered as such, the Cherokee can handle trails better than any other rival. But most shoppers are just looking for a comfortable vehicle to drive every day, and the Cherokee is effective on this front as well. With a supple suspension and a strong V6 engine option, plus an easy-to-use 8.4-inch touchscreen inside, the 2018 Cherokee is prepared for the daily grind.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$152/mo  for Cherokee Latitude

　　Cherokee Latitude

　　Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $24,395 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $25,895 MSRPLatitude Plus 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $26,295 MSRPLatitude Plus 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,795 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,795 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $31,295 MSRPTrailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $30,995 MSRPOverland 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $34,095 MSRPOverland 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $37,340 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　There are a few downsides, including lackluster acceleration from the Cherokee's standard four-cylinder engine and a lack of cargo space. But if you want an affordable crossover SUV that can comfortably get you to work during the week and then hit the trail on the weekend, there's no better choice than the 2018 Cherokee.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Want to know what it's like to live with a Jeep Cherokee? As a part of our long-term test program, we got our hands on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and tested it for a year, driving it for over 20,000 miles. Read our long-term coverage to see what we've learned about the Jeep Cherokee — we dive into its off-road capability, on-road comfort, fuel economy and more. There are some minor differences between the 2014 and 2018 models, including the addition of Amazon Alexa integration and the reorganization of some trim levels, but the two are in the same generation, so most of our observations still apply.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.0 / 10

　　Jeeps are legendary for their off-road prowess, but what happens if you need to just tackle the daily grind? With its comfortable ride quality and modern technology, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee proves that you can have it both ways.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (3.2-liter V6 | 9-speed automatic | 4WD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Cherokee Trailhawk has received some revisions, including the addition of advanced driver assist systems and interior comfort features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Cherokee, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.0 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0

　　

Driving

8.5

　　The Trailhawk gives up a little in ultimate handling and acceleration in return for off-road capability that's a cut above any other crossover. It's still nicely balanced. Those who don't go off-road can get the Latitude or Limited versions.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　The optional 3.2-liter V6 accelerates the Trailhawk to 60 mph in about 8 seconds flat, a decent performance in this class, especially considering the off-highway potential.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　Nicely firm and responsive brake pedal in daily use. The Trailhawk's knobby off-road tires result in a slightly long 131-foot panic stop from 60 mph; regular Cherokees should do better.

　　

Steering

9.0

　　The steering responds predictably and isn't oversensitive. The driver gets a good impression of what's going on down where the rubber meets the road, but there's zero kickback in rocky off-road terrain.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　The Trailhawk's off-road tires limit ultimate on-road grip but retain good balance and coordination. And body roll isn't excessive either, despite the high-riding stance.

　　

Drivability

8.0

　　The Cherokee's nine-speed transmission serves up smooth upshifts and ready downshifts. Initial throttle response is subdued, making for easy low-speed control. Note, however, that this transmission is not as well suited to the four-cylinder engine.

　　

Off-road

9.0

　　Among crossovers, the Trailhawk has no equal. Articulation is average, but its knobby tires, generous clearance, low-range gearing and rear locker are unmatched in this class.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　Despite appearances, the off-road-ready Trailhawk isn't more harsh or uncomfortable than an SUV meant solely for street duty. It remains a comfortable and quiet machine you could happily drive every day.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　It's easy to find a comfortable driving position. The front seats proved supportive and comfortable throughout an all-day off-road trip, and our backseat passenger was equally impressed.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　The suspension is tuned slightly toward the soft side to promote off-road flexibility, but it's well-damped, too. The combination makes for a smooth and pleasant ride on and off the pavement.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.5

　　The optional 3.2-liter V6 is quiet and unobtrusive unless you mash the gas pedal. The Trailhawk's bigger off-road tires are quieter than expected, but there is occasional faint tread noise.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　The Cherokee Trailhawk does a lot of things right. There's plenty of room, it's easy to climb in and out of, and the controls are mostly self-explanatory. You won't find yourself thumbing through the owner's manual much.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　Simple and logical audio and climate control knobs. The Uconnect navigation and infotainment system is powerful and easy to master. The four-wheel-drive control system couldn't be easier.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　The Trailhawk is taller than the average Cherokee, but the step-in height is still very reasonable. The accommodating front and rear doors open wide.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　There's plenty of room up front, and the rear seat has a decent amount of head- and legroom, too. Storage bins are strategically placed about the cabin.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　There's good all-around visibility with a rear three-quarter blind spot that's no bigger or smaller than average. The available rearview camera is useful for backing out of driveways and reversing off-road.

　　

Quality

7.5

　　It looks well-built inside and out, but a couple of the interior trim pieces are simply average. Still, nothing is likely to disappoint.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　The rear cargo space is a good size but not class-leading, probably because there's a full-size spare tire under the floor. The rear seats fold flat for more room. The door pockets are small but can hold a small water bottle.

　　

Technology

　　Jeep's Uconnect system is well liked among many drivers. Its large graphics are clear and easy to read. Pairing with your phone is straightforward, and operation for regular entertainment functions requires no manual.

　　

Which Cherokee does zzdcar recommend?

　　Go with the Trailhawk if your budget allows. While it's more expensive than most of the other Cherokee trim levels, its exclusive feature set makes the most of the Cherokee's off-road abilities, and that's the main reason to buy a Cherokee instead of another crossover in the first place. Otherwise, the Limited Plus offers a nice set of features for an agreeable price.

　　

2018 Jeep Cherokee models

　　The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a small crossover SUV offered in five main trim levels. The Latitude is the base trim, and the Latitude Plus adds premium equipment, but you have to go up to the Limited and off-road-focused Trailhawk trims to get standard safety equipment. Finally, the top-of-the-line Overland comes with all the interior and exterior amenities.

　　Standard on the 2018 Jeep Cherokees is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. You can also get an optional 3.2-liter V6 that makes 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines. The Latitude, Limited and Overland are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Trailhawk comes standard with all-wheel drive.

　　Standard equipment highlights for the Latitude include 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, height-adjustable front seats, sliding and reclining rear seats with 60/40-split folding seatbacks, a folding front passenger seat with a storage compartment inside the seat cushion, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a USB charge-only port, a 5-inch touchscreen interface and a six-speaker audio system.

　　A new Tech Connect package can be added to this trim and includes 18-inch wheels, an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, a 115-volt outlet behind the center console, ambient interior lighting, a navigation system and a nine-speaker audio system. It also adds Amazon Alexa integration with remote start, unlock, navigation commands and vehicle monitoring. Along with all of this, you get an Amazon Echo Dot device, a three-month subscription to Amazon Music service and Audible.

　　The Latitude Plus trim goes without the larger wheels, the Alexa integration, navigation or audio upgrade but adds keyless ignition and entry, leather inserts in the upholstery, a power driver seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Satellite radio is standard, as is passive keyless entry with push-button starting.

　　The off-road-themed Trailhawk comes with an advanced all-wheel-drive system (Active Drive II) and also boasts slightly wider 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, off-road-oriented suspension tuning, a locking rear differential, hill ascent and descent control, skid plates, tow hooks, unique exterior trim, cloth and leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a larger driver information display, satellite radio and Jeep's 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen interface with a USB audio interface, Siri Eyes Free and smartphone-app integration. Additional features for 2018 include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection and parking sensors, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control.

　　The Limited sheds the Trailhawk's off-road hardware, but it includes largely the same standard convenience items plus 18-inch alloy wheels, remote ignition, a wiper de-icer, upgraded power-folding side mirrors, a larger driver information display, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. For 2018, Limited trims also receive blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors and a power liftgate.

　　The range-topping Overland has its own 18-inch wheels, unique body-color exterior trim, cornering lights, sound-deadening windshield and front windows, driver-seat memory functions, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, wood steering-wheel inserts, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a nine-speaker audio system, a navigation system and HD radio.

　　Many of the higher trims' features are available on lower trims via optional packages or as stand-alone extras. If you're planning on towing, equip your Latitude Plus, Limited or Trailhawk trim with a Trailer Tow group package. This package includes a stand-alone transmission cooler, Class III hitch, trailer wiring harness for both four- and seven-pin systems, as well as a full-size spare. V6-equipped models also receive additional engine cooling.

　　Jeep also offers the Technology group package available on the Limited, Trailhawk and Overland trims. Included in this safety-oriented package is forward collision warning with crash mitigation, radar-based cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic wipers, auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic parking system that works on both parallel and perpendicular spots.

　　zzdcar Latest Jeep Cherokee News

　　You Can Now Order a 2-Door Jeep Wrangler With 35-Inch Tires

　　

2018 Cherokee Highlights

Trim: LatitudeLatitude PlusLimitedTrailhawkOverlandLatitude

　　

Base MSRP	$24,395
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$152/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles