The Jeep Cherokee has long been a popular choice in the compact SUV market. Drivers know it for its rugged style and off-road abilities, but many also use it for daily driving.
How is the Jeep Cherokee rated by experts and owners? Let’s dive into the main factors that shape its ratings, from safety to resale value.
How Experts Rate The Jeep Cherokee
Automotive reviewers use several criteria to rate the Jeep Cherokee. The most common focus points are performance, comfort, technology, and safety. Let’s look at how the Cherokee measures up in each area.
Performance And Handling
The Cherokee stands out for its off-road capability. Most trims come with four-wheel drive options, and the Trailhawk model is especially strong in rough conditions. On regular roads, the ride is comfortable, but some rivals feel more agile.
- Engine choices: The base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, while higher trims offer a 3.2-liter V6. The V6 gets praise for its power, but fuel economy is average.
- Towing capacity: With the V6 engine, the Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 pounds—higher than most compact SUVs.
Comfort And Interior Quality
Inside, the Cherokee gets mixed reviews. The front seats are supportive, and the Uconnect infotainment system is easy to use. However, the back seats and cargo space are smaller than competitors.
- Cargo space: About 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 54.7 cubic feet when folded.
- Interior materials: Higher trims have soft-touch materials and leather, but base models use more plastic.
Safety Ratings
Safety is a big concern for any family vehicle. The Jeep Cherokee usually scores well in crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates it “Good” in most crash categories.
Standard safety features include:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning (on higher trims)
Technology And Features
The Cherokee’s Uconnect system is one of the easiest to use in its class. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in most recent models. Keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and remote start are available on higher trims.
Owner Ratings: Real-world Experiences
Expert ratings matter, but owner reviews give a different perspective. Here’s how Cherokee owners rate their vehicles.
Reliability And Maintenance
Owners say the Cherokee’s reliability is average. Some report issues with the transmission, especially in older models (2014-2018). Newer models improved, but maintenance costs can be higher than some Japanese rivals.
- Average repair cost: About $520 per year, according to RepairPal.
Comfort And Everyday Use
Most drivers enjoy the ride comfort and quiet cabin. The seats are good for long trips, but the rear space feels tight for tall adults. The infotainment system gets high marks for being user-friendly.
Fuel Economy
The Cherokee’s fuel economy is fair, not great. The 4-cylinder engine gets about 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The V6 drops to around 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Owners looking for better mileage often choose competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
Comparing The Jeep Cherokee To Rivals
A direct comparison helps show where the Cherokee stands. Here’s how it matches up with three top rivals in key categories:
| Model | Base Engine | Max Towing (lbs) | City/Highway MPG | Cargo Space (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Cherokee | 2.4L I4 | 4,500 | 22/31 | 25.8 / 54.7 |
| Honda CR-V | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 1,500 | 28/34 | 39.2 / 75.8 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2.5L I4 | 3,500 | 27/35 | 37.6 / 69.8 |
| Ford Escape | 1.5L Turbo I3 | 2,000 | 28/34 | 37.5 / 65.4 |
The Cherokee wins on towing and off-road ability, but loses on fuel economy and cargo space.
Ratings From Major Review Sites
It’s useful to see how leading car sites rate the Jeep Cherokee. Here are the current average ratings:
| Source | Rating (out of 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Edmunds | 7.2 | Great off-road, small cargo |
| Car and Driver | 6.5 | Strong engine, dated interior |
| Kelley Blue Book | 4.1/5 | Comfortable ride, average reliability |
| Consumer Reports | 60/100 | Good safety, poor fuel economy |
These scores show that the Cherokee is above average in some areas, but not a class leader in most.
Resale Value And Ownership Costs
The Jeep Cherokee holds its value about as well as most American SUVs, but not as well as top Japanese models. After five years, the Cherokee is expected to keep about 45% of its value, while the Toyota RAV4 holds nearly 50%. Insurance rates are average, but repairs can be more expensive due to specialty parts.
Two Insights Many Miss
- The Trailhawk trim gives the Cherokee a unique edge. It’s one of the only compact SUVs with real off-road gear like a locking rear differential and extra ground clearance. If you like to go off the beaten path, this version stands out.
- Many shoppers overlook the Jeep Wave program. Some new Cherokees come with this owner perk, which includes free maintenance for a set period—helping reduce the total cost of ownership for the first years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Safe Is The Jeep Cherokee?
The Cherokee gets a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and “Good” scores from IIHS in most crash categories. It includes standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Is The Jeep Cherokee Good For Families?
It’s a solid choice for small families, especially if you want off-road ability. However, if you need more back seat space and cargo room, some rivals do better.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Jeep Cherokee?
With good maintenance, most Cherokees last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Regular oil changes and transmission checks are important for a long lifespan.
Does The Jeep Cherokee Have A Lot Of Problems?
Older models had some transmission issues, but newer models improved. Repair costs are average, and reliability is similar to other American SUVs.
Where Can I Find More Detailed Cherokee Specs?
For full specs and the latest ratings, visit the official Jeep website.
The Jeep Cherokee is a good fit for drivers who want strong off-road skills and a user-friendly tech setup. It’s not the top choice for cargo space or fuel economy, but its towing ability and available features make it worth considering. Before buying, think about your driving style and needs, and check out owner reviews to get the full picture.
