From the video:
Alright guys, Liz Jeneault here and this is my first time reviewing a Jeep for SUVs.com. But, I promise you it won’t be the last as I know many of you out there are Jeep lovers!
I’m checking out this redesigned 2019 Jeep Cherokee today, which is a nice option if you want a smaller sized Jeep that’s still capable, but is not necessarily as rugged as the beloved, iconic Wrangler.
Now, this is a middle-of-the-road Limited trim. But, there are many other trim choices, including the most off-road capable Trailhawk. If you’re interested in the Cherokee, be sure to check out all your trim options!
It features new exterior styling including the updated front end here, with the LED daytime running lights and headlights now together instead of separate. There’s heated side mirrors and 18” wheels.
Inside, there’s a solid amount of space for five. Lots of standard features, too. There’s a rearview camera and the fourth-generation Uconnect system now features Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. An 8.4” touchscreen infotainment system is featured in this Limited, which is nice. The touchscreen is smaller in the lower trims, though. There’s also a fancier driver information display here, plus heated and leather-trimmed buckets seats, a heated steering wheel, and power rear liftgate. More safety systems come with this Limited, too.
Other available and more premium Cherokee features include a navigation system, ventilated front seats, a dual pane sunroof, and more. While three inches of width has been added to the cargo area, it unfortunately still trails competitors as for the amount of space offered.
On to performance now, because that’s what we care about with a Jeep, right? First off, there’s three four-wheel drive systems available. The Trailhawk is the only one to get four-wheel drive as standard, though.
Now, the lower trim levels of the Cherokee including this Limited in the front-wheel drive configuration feature the standard 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 4-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower. But, four-wheel drive Limiteds and higher trims feature a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 as standard. It produces 271 horsepower. All trims except for the base are able to upgrade to the new, turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, though. It’s more powerful and fuel efficient than the other two choices! A nine-speed automatic is paired to all three options. That transmission does tend to lag and especially with the base engine. So, we suggest upgrading to the new turbo engine if possible!
Rating time now! Exterior is pleasant, I enjoy the new design. 8. Interior continues to be comfortable and has improved features, but remains short on cargo space. 8. Performance is solid with the new turbocharged option and lots of four-wheel drive options, but the transmission doesn’t perform as well with the base. So, a 7 there. Even with the new, more fuel efficient turbo the Cherokee’s fuel economy numbers still fall short of competitors. 7. And finally, value I would say is a 7. Improvements are nice but for the higher trims and the most desired turbo engine, you’ll have to pay a lot more.
And those numbers result in an SUVs.com deal score of 74 out of 100. Which Jeep should I review next and have you ever owned one? Let me know!