2021 Jeep Cherokee Review

　　

2021 Jeep Cherokee Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　The Jeep Cherokee is a charming small SUV. Fitted with either one of its optional engines — a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6 — the Cherokee is more fun to drive than you might expect. And, as with its Grand Cherokee sibling, its off-road ability and maximum towing capacity are both excellent for the class.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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

　　$146/mo  for Cherokee Latitude

　　Cherokee Latitude

　　Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,210 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $28,710 MSRPFreedom 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $28,405 MSRPFreedom 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,905 MSRPLatitude Plus 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,525 MSRPLatitude Plus 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $31,025 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $30,720 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $32,220 MSRPLatitude Lux 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $30,875 MSRPLatitude Lux 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $32,375 MSRP80th Anniversary Edition 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $33,055 MSRP80th Anniversary Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $34,555 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $34,785 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $36,285 MSRPTrailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A) - $36,085 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $37,475 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $38,975 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Rival SUVs you might want to cross-shop include the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. The Cherokee is a solid option here, with a smooth ride that is good enough for the average commuter, plus rugged chops to satisfy adventurous drivers. That's a tough line to straddle, but the Cherokee pulls it off well enough to earn a decent spot in our rankings. Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth take on the 2021 Cherokee.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Cherokee drive? We're pleasantly surprised by the Cherokee's sporty nature, especially when you consider Jeep's reputation for off-road capability. The steering is nicely weighted and feels direct. It also transmits some of the road texture to the driver. The wheel is well balanced, and there's a good sense of on-center feel. Shifts feels sluggish with the nine-speed automatic, so we'd probably opt for the turbo 2.0-liter engine, which outperforms the V6.

　　The brake pedal makes it easy and predictable to stop smoothly in everyday driving. Off-roading is above average, too, with multiple trim levels from which to choose that offer varying levels of capability in the dirt.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Cherokee? The Cherokee does a fine job of softening harsh roads but is less adept at controlling the ups and downs of smoother undulating roads. We found the seats to be comfortable, with nice, breathable upholstery, even if they don't provide a lot of lateral support. There's an average amount of road and wind noise, not enough to be distracting, but we wouldn't call it quiet either.

　　The climate control system maintains temperature well, and the controls are easy to locate and adjust. Some functions such as the seat and steering wheel heaters are located in the touchscreen, requiring an extra step, but pop up immediately when you start the car — a nice touch. The seat heaters get toasty quickly, too.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The high-mounted cabin is easy to climb into and see out of, and there's an ample amount of headroom. The view straight back is free of obstructions, and the generous glass — including the small window at each rear flank — also helps to minimize blind spots. There's also a generous amount of seat height adjustment, which should suit a wide range of driver types. Backseat passengers will appreciate the generous legroom.

　　This Jeep is not only easy to use, it's also easy to figure out, thanks to a straightforward Uconnect infotainment system and large, easy-to-wield knobs and buttons. However, those who are eyesight-challenged might want to upgrade to the larger 8.4-inch infotainment screen.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and the entry-level infotainment interface is nice, even if the icons are on the small side. The touchscreen menu is pretty straightforward, providing prompts that are helpful in guiding you through the available commands. You can make calls, tune to a radio station, and even set the climate control system through voice commands. There are two USB ports up front and two more for charging in the back, and the upgraded audio system delivers great sound.

　　Our test car did not have many driver aids, but the alerts (such as blind-spot warning) can be configured to be audible or visual only. Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are only available on higher trims.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Despite the trunk's small volume dimensions, its layout is clever and useful. The adjustable load floor is handy and liftover height is manageable, but the Cherokee has one of the small trunks in the segment with 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space. There's a good variety of cabin storage options for the items people commonly bring inside.

　　Child safety seat anchors are clearly marked and accessible between the rear seatback and bottom cushion. Likewise, the rear tethers are easy to access on the back of the seats. For those who tow trailers, an optional tow package increases the Cherokee's capacity to a useful 4,500 pounds.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Our V6 test vehicle is rated at 22 mpg (19 city/27 highway), which is well below what competitors return. We averaged 20.9 mpg over the course of two weeks, with a best return of 25.2 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation loop. The optional turbo 2.0-liter is not only more efficient but makes more power.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Cherokee a good value? Our midlevel Cherokee model was missing some interior refinement, but things weren't all bad. The control knobs have soft detents and rubberized knurling that makes for easy adjustment. The hard plastic trim has a ruggedness to it, but it looks a bit cheap compared to what's in segment leaders.

　　The Cherokee has a three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which matches most rivals. Roadside assistance is covered for five years/60,000 miles, which is better than some rivals. For pure value, segment leaders offer more standard features, but many of the Jeep's add-ons are affordable, and some are not offered by competitors. Ultimately, you're paying more for Jeep capability.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The Cherokee is much easier on the eyes after Jeep's midcycle refresh for 2019, but its design definitely lost some of its predecessor's boldness. Couple that with the fact that it's one of the most capable off-road vehicles in the class that's also surprisingly fun to drive on-road, and it's a rig we'd be happy to drive daily.

　　

Which Cherokee does zzdcar recommend?

The newly created Latitude Lux trim could be the way to go. It delivers a lot of features that enhance the Cherokee ownership experience, striking a nice balance of comfort, capability and price. With the savings, you can option up to the more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and the Comfort and Convenience package with upgraded technology. If you're planning to venture into any sort of off-roading, however, the Trailhawk is the way to go.

　　

2021 Jeep Cherokee models

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a five-seat small SUV available in five main trim levels: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Latitude Lux, the rugged Trailhawk and the range-topping Limited. You might also see some designations such as Altitude or High Altitude, but these are essentially styling packages that add on to the main trims.

　　Most Cherokees come with standard front-wheel drive and offer four-wheel drive as an option. The exception is the Trailhawk, which has standard four-wheel drive.

　　Latitude

　　The entry-level Latitude trim offers a basic yet comfortable package that comes with:

　　2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque) Nine-speed automatic transmission Roof rails Rain-sensing windshield wipers 17-inch alloy wheels 60/40-split rear seats 7-inch infotainment touchscreen Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration Six-speaker audio system Selec-Terrain management system (4x4 only)Standard driver aids include:

　　Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping assist (steers the Cherokee back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)Latitude Plus

　　Adds more creature comforts such as:

　　Foglights Windshield wiper de-icer Keyless entry and push-button start Remote start Heated front seats Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel Power-adjustable driver's seat Satellite radio Rear USB ports Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)Latitude Lux

　　This new trim level includes:

　　3.2-liter V6 engine (271 hp and 239 lb-ft) or optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (270 hp and 295 lb-ft) Leather upholstery Power-adjustable front passenger seatTrailhawk

　　Feature-wise, the off-road-oriented Trailhawk is similar to the Latitude Plus. But it does also come with:

　　V6 engine only 8.4-inch touchscreen All-terrain tires Jeep Active Drive Lock with rock mode and locking rear axleLimited

　　Most luxurious trim in the Cherokee range boasts:

　　Standard V6 or optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine 18-inch wheels Power liftgate Dual-zone automatic climate control Driver-seat memory settings Auto-dimming rearview mirror Nine-speaker premium audio system Upgraded driver information display Panoramic sunroof Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Jeep and the car in front, even in heavy traffic)Many of the extra standard features on the upper trims can be added to the lower trims as options. Other main options include:

　　Altitude, High Altitude and 80th Anniversary subtrim levels Add either dark gray or black styling accents and wheels plus a few extra features Elite package (Limited trim only) Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Hands-free liftgate Integrated navigation system Trailer tow package Class III receiver hitch Seven-pin wiring harness Upgraded engine cooling

　　zzdcar Latest Jeep Cherokee News

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

　　

2021 Cherokee Highlights

Trim: LatitudeFreedomLatitude PlusAltitudeLatitude Lux80th Anniversary EditionLimitedTrailhawkHigh AltitudeLatitude

　　

Base MSRP	$27,210
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$146/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles