Is The 2019 Jeep Cherokee A Good Car
Many car shoppers ask themselves if the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a good car. With so many SUVs on the market, it’s easy to feel lost in the details. As a calm expert, I’ll guide you through the real pros and cons, what you can expect from daily use, and how the Cherokee compares with its rivals. By the end, you’ll know if this SUV fits your needs or if you should keep searching.
Performance And Engine Choices
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee comes with three engine options:
- 2.4L four-cylinder (180 horsepower)
- 3.2L V6 (271 horsepower)
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (270 horsepower)
The V6 and turbocharged engines give the Cherokee strong acceleration, especially for passing on the highway. The base engine is less powerful but more fuel-efficient.
Driving the Cherokee feels controlled and comfortable. The suspension absorbs bumps well. If you choose a model with Jeep’s Active Drive 4×4 system, you’ll get excellent off-road ability, one of the Cherokee’s standout features.
Non-obvious insight: The 2.0L turbo engine offers almost the same power as the V6 but with better fuel economy. Many buyers overlook this option, but it can save money at the pump.
Interior Comfort And Features
Inside, the 2019 Cherokee feels modern and functional. Standard features include:
- 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Comfortable front seats
- Ample headroom and legroom
Higher trims add more luxury, like leather seats and a larger touchscreen.
Cargo space is decent but not class-leading. With rear seats up, you get 25.8 cubic feet; fold them down, and you have up to 54.7 cubic feet. For families with lots of gear, this might feel a bit tight compared to some competitors.
Tip: The power liftgate on higher trims makes loading groceries or luggage easier, especially in bad weather.
Safety Ratings And Technology
Safety is important for any family vehicle. The 2019 Cherokee received four out of five stars in overall crash safety from the NHTSA.
Standard and available safety features include:
- Rearview camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic emergency braking (on higher trims)
Here’s how the Cherokee compares to two rivals on safety features:
| Feature | 2019 Cherokee | 2019 Honda CR-V | 2019 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blind-spot Monitoring | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Rearview Camera | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Optional | Standard | Standard |
One thing beginners miss: Not all safety features are standard. You may need to choose a higher trim or pay extra for advanced safety tech.
Reliability And Maintenance
The 2019 Cherokee has an average reliability rating. According to J.D. Power, it scores 3 out of 5 for reliability. This means you might expect some repairs, but nothing unusual for this type of SUV.
Common issues reported include:
- Electronic glitches (mainly with the infotainment system)
- Transmission hesitations on lower trims
Maintenance costs are about average. Regular oil changes, brake service, and tire rotations keep the Cherokee running well. Parts are widely available, which helps keep repair costs down.
Value For Money
Pricing for used 2019 Jeep Cherokees varies by trim and mileage. On average, you’ll find them in the $18,000–$27,000 range as of 2024.
Here’s a quick look at how the Cherokee stacks up against two popular rivals on price and features:
| Model | Average Price (2024) | Base Engine | Standard Infotainment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Cherokee | $18,000–$27,000 | 2.4L I4 | 7″ screen, CarPlay |
| Honda CR-V | $20,000–$28,000 | 1.5L turbo | 5″ screen, no CarPlay |
| Toyota RAV4 | $21,000–$29,000 | 2.5L I4 | 7″ screen, CarPlay |
The Cherokee often costs a bit less than rivals, especially with more features. However, its resale value is lower than Honda and Toyota. This means it’s a better value if you plan to keep it for many years, not if you want to sell or trade it soon.
Off-road Capability
One area where the 2019 Cherokee shines is off-road driving. The Trailhawk trim comes with:
- Higher ground clearance
- All-terrain tires
- Advanced 4×4 system
- Skid plates for underbody protection
Few compact SUVs can match the Cherokee’s off-road skills. If you like camping, hiking, or exploring trails, the Cherokee is a top pick in its class.
Real-world Fuel Economy
EPA estimates for fuel economy:
- 2.4L I4: 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- 3.2L V6: 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- 2.0L turbo: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
These numbers are average for the class. Real-world drivers often get slightly less, especially with all-wheel drive. Still, the Cherokee’s 2.0L turbo strikes a nice balance between power and fuel savings.
Who Should Buy The 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
Consider the Cherokee if you want:
- Real off-road ability in a small SUV
- A comfortable ride with user-friendly tech
- Good value for features
You may want to look elsewhere if you need:
- Maximum cargo space
- Top resale value
- The absolute best reliability
Pro tip: If you mostly drive in cities and rarely go off-road, the base engine and front-wheel drive will save you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Good For Families?
Yes, it offers comfortable seating for five, good safety ratings, and handy tech features. However, cargo space is a bit smaller than some rivals.
Does The 2019 Cherokee Have Transmission Problems?
Some owners report hesitation or rough shifting, especially on lower trims with the 9-speed automatic. Most issues are minor, and many were fixed with software updates.
How Does The Cherokee Handle Winter Driving?
With all-wheel drive, the Cherokee is excellent in snow and ice. The Trailhawk trim is especially good for tough conditions.
What Is The Best Engine For The 2019 Cherokee?
The 2.0L turbo offers the best balance of power and fuel economy. The V6 is better for towing or frequent highway driving.
Where Can I Find More Details About Jeep Cherokee Reliability?
You can read expert reviews and owner reports on the official NHTSA website.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee stands out for its off-road ability, solid tech, and comfort. If those fit your priorities, it’s a good choice. For buyers focused on cargo space or resale value, other options may suit you better. Always take a test drive and check service records before buying any used vehicle.
