The 2014 Grand Jeep Cherokee Laredo features a nine-speed transmission that drew mixed reviews from drivers. This SUV marked a major redesign for Jeep, moving away from the old boxy shape. It aimed to blend on-road comfort with off-road capability.
Many buyers looked at the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo as a practical daily driver. It offered a good balance of features and price. But the transmission issues made some people hesitate.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about this model. You will learn about its engine options, interior space, and common problems. We will also compare it to rivals and give you buying advice.
2014 Grand Jeep Cherokee Laredo
The 2014 Grand Jeep Cherokee Laredo is the base trim level of the redesigned Cherokee lineup. It replaced the previous Liberty model. Jeep positioned it as a compact SUV with a more car-like ride.
This model came with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.2-liter V6. The four-cylinder made 184 horsepower, while the V6 produced 271 horsepower. Both engines paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Laredo trim included standard features like 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 5-inch touchscreen. You also got Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera. Optional packages added things like a power liftgate and leather seats.
Engine Options And Performance
The base engine in the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo was the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder. It delivered adequate power for city driving but felt sluggish on highways. Fuel economy was decent at 22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive.
The optional 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 was much stronger. It provided smooth acceleration and better towing capacity. You could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 and the proper equipment.
Both engines had stop-start technology to save fuel. This system shut off the engine at traffic lights. Some drivers found it annoying, but it did improve city mileage.
Transmission Concerns
The nine-speed automatic transmission was a big selling point for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo. In theory, it offered smooth shifts and better fuel economy. In practice, many owners reported problems.
Common issues included rough shifting, hesitation, and jerking at low speeds. Some drivers experienced the transmission slipping or failing entirely. Jeep issued several software updates to fix these problems, but not all were resolved.
If you are looking at a used 2014 model, check the transmission service history. Make sure all recalls and updates were applied. A test drive is essential to feel for any odd behavior.
Interior And Comfort
The interior of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo was a big improvement over the Liberty. The dashboard had a modern design with soft-touch materials. The seats were comfortable for long drives, though rear legroom was tight.
Standard features included cloth seats, manual air conditioning, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The Uconnect system was easy to use with clear graphics. You got a 5-inch touchscreen, but it lacked navigation.
Cargo space was average for the class. You got 24.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.9 cubic feet with them folded. The rear seats folded flat to create a useful load floor.
Safety Ratings And Features
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo earned good safety scores from the IIHS. It got a Top Safety Pick rating for most categories. The NHTSA gave it four out of five stars overall.
Standard safety features included antilock brakes, stability control, and multiple airbags. A rearview camera was also standard, which was rare for base trims at the time. Optional safety packages added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Forward collision warning was available on higher trims but not on the Laredo. This was a limitation if you wanted advanced driver aids. Still, the standard safety kit was solid for 2014.
Off-Road Capability
Even the base 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo had decent off-road ability. It offered up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance with the optional Active Drive II system. This system included a low-range gear for serious trails.
The Selec-Terrain system let you choose from modes like Sand, Mud, and Snow. It adjusted the traction control and transmission for different conditions. The Trail Rated badge was reserved for the Trailhawk trim, but the Laredo could handle light off-roading.
If you plan to go off-road often, consider the Active Drive II option. It added a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. These features made the Cherokee more capable than most rivals.
Common Problems And Reliability
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo had several known issues beyond the transmission. The engine stop-start system sometimes failed to restart. Some owners reported electrical problems with the infotainment screen.
Another common complaint was the cooling fan relay failing. This could cause the engine to overheat. Jeep issued a recall for this issue, so check if it was fixed.
Overall reliability ratings for the 2014 model were below average. J.D. Power gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars. If you buy one, get a thorough inspection and budget for potential repairs.
Fuel Economy And Costs
Fuel economy for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo with the four-cylinder engine was 22 mpg combined. The V6 dropped to 21 mpg combined. These numbers were competitive for the compact SUV class in 2014.
Annual fuel costs were around $2,000 for average driving. Insurance rates were moderate, similar to other compact SUVs. Maintenance costs were higher than average due to the transmission issues.
You can expect to pay between $8,000 and $14,000 for a used 2014 Cherokee Laredo today. Prices vary based on mileage, condition, and location. The V6 models tend to hold value better.
Comparison With Rivals
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo faced strong competition. The Honda CR-V offered better reliability and more cargo space. The Toyota RAV4 was also more dependable and had a smoother ride.
The Ford Escape had similar performance but a more refined interior. The Subaru Forester provided standard all-wheel drive and better ground clearance. The Cherokee stood out for its off-road capability and unique styling.
If you need a vehicle for light off-roading, the Cherokee is a good choice. For daily commuting and reliability, the CR-V or RAV4 might be better. Consider your priorities before deciding.
Trim Levels And Options
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee came in several trims: Laredo, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. The Laredo was the base model with fewer features. The Latitude added more comfort options like a power driver seat.
The Limited trim included leather seats, a larger touchscreen, and dual-zone climate control. The Trailhawk was designed for serious off-roading with skid plates and all-terrain tires. The Laredo was the most affordable option.
Popular options for the Laredo included the Comfort/Convenience Group. It added heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. The Technology Group included a 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation.
Driving Experience
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo drove more like a car than a truck. The steering was light and responsive. The ride was smooth on pavement, though some road noise entered the cabin.
The four-cylinder engine felt underpowered when merging onto highways. The V6 was much more confident and enjoyable. The nine-speed transmission often hunted for gears, which could be annoying.
Off-road, the Cherokee felt capable but not invincible. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and the Selec-Terrain system worked effectively. For most drivers, the on-road comfort was the main focus.
Technology And Infotainment
The base 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo came with a 5-inch touchscreen. It included Bluetooth, a USB port, and an auxiliary input. The system was simple to use but lacked advanced features.
Optional upgrades included a 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation. This system supported voice commands and smartphone integration. It was one of the best infotainment systems in its class at the time.
The Uconnect system was praised for its fast response and clear menus. However, some users reported glitches and screen freezes. Make sure the software is updated to the latest version.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo running well, follow the maintenance schedule. Change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Use synthetic oil for better engine protection.
Check the transmission fluid regularly, especially if you notice shifting issues. Flush the cooling system every 60,000 miles. Replace the air filter and cabin filter annually.
Inspect the tires for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment problems. Rotate the tires every 6,000 miles. Keep an eye on the battery, as electrical issues are common.
Buying A Used 2014 Cherokee Laredo
When shopping for a used 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo, start with a vehicle history report. Look for any accident damage or title issues. Check for open recalls and make sure they were completed.
Take the car for a test drive on different roads. Pay attention to how the transmission shifts. Listen for unusual noises from the engine or suspension. Have a mechanic inspect it before buying.
Look for models with the V6 engine if you want better performance. The four-cylinder is fine for city driving but struggles on hills. Also, consider the optional Active Drive II for off-road use.
Pros And Cons
Pros of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo include its stylish design and comfortable ride. The Uconnect system is user-friendly. Off-road capability is better than most rivals.
Cons include the problematic transmission and below-average reliability. The four-cylinder engine is underpowered. Rear seat space is tight for adults. Fuel economy is only average.
Overall, the Cherokee Laredo is a decent choice if you find a well-maintained example. Just be prepared for potential transmission issues. It is not the most reliable SUV, but it offers unique strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo reliable?
The 2014 model has below-average reliability ratings. Transmission problems are common, along with electrical issues. A thorough inspection is recommended before purchase.
What engine is best in the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo?
The 3.2-liter V6 is the better choice for performance and towing. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is adequate for city driving but lacks power on highways.
Does the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo have all-wheel drive?
Yes, all-wheel drive was optional. The base model came with front-wheel drive. You could choose Active Drive I or Active Drive II for off-road capability.
How much can a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo tow?
With the V6 engine and towing package, it can tow up to 4,500 pounds. The four-cylinder engine has a lower towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
What are common problems with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Laredo?
Common issues include transmission shuddering, engine stop-start failures, and cooling fan relay problems. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system are also reported.
Final Thoughts
The 2014 Grand Jeep Cherokee Laredo is a stylish and capable compact SUV. It offers a comfortable ride and decent off-road ability. However, its transmission issues and reliability concerns are significant drawbacks.
If you find a well-maintained example with the V6 engine, it can be a good value. Just budget for potential repairs and keep up with maintenance. For many buyers, a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 might be a safer choice.
Ultimately, the Cherokee Laredo appeals to those who want a unique look and off-road versatility. It is not the most practical or dependable option, but it has its charms. Drive one yourself to see if it fits your needs.