Long-term ownership of a Jeep Cherokee depends on understanding its strengths and weaknesses. If you are wondering are jeep cherokees good cars, the answer is not a simple yes or no. This SUV has loyal fans and serious critics, so you need the full picture before buying.
Jeep has been making the Cherokee since 1974. It is one of the most recognizable nameplates in the off-road world. But modern versions are different from the old boxy models. Today’s Cherokee competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.
This article will help you decide if a Jeep Cherokee is the right car for you. We will cover reliability, performance, comfort, and common problems. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect.
Are Jeep Cherokees Good Cars
This is the big question. The short answer is: yes, for some people, and no, for others. The Jeep Cherokee offers excellent off-road capability and a unique style. But it also has a reputation for mechanical issues, especially with the transmission.
Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can make an informed choice.
What Makes The Jeep Cherokee Stand Out
The Cherokee is not like every other compact SUV. It has a distinct look that some love and others hate. The front grille and headlights are polarizing. But the real standout feature is its off-road ability.
- Trail Rated versions can handle mud, rocks, and snow
- Available 4×4 systems with low-range gearing
- Higher ground clearance than most rivals
- Unique design that turns heads
If you need a vehicle that can go off the beaten path, the Cherokee is a strong contender. Most crossovers in this class are strictly pavement princesses.
Where The Cherokee Falls Short
No car is perfect, and the Cherokee has some clear weaknesses. The most common complaints involve reliability and fuel economy.
- Transmission problems in earlier models (2014-2016)
- Mediocre gas mileage compared to rivals
- Smaller cargo area than competitors
- Some cheap interior materials
These issues matter if you plan to keep the car for many years. A Honda CR-V might be more dependable overall, but it cannot match the Cherokee’s off-road chops.
Reliability And Common Problems
Reliability is the biggest concern for most buyers. The Jeep Cherokee has had a mixed record. Some years are much better than others.
Transmission Issues
The most famous problem is the nine-speed automatic transmission. Early models from 2014 to 2016 had frequent failures. Owners reported rough shifting, hesitation, and even complete transmission failure.
Jeep updated the transmission software and hardware in later years. Models from 2017 onward are more reliable. But the bad reputation still lingers.
Engine Options And Their Reliability
The Cherokee comes with three main engines:
- 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder (base engine)
- 3.2L Pentastar V6 (upgrade)
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (later models)
The 2.4L engine has had issues with oil consumption and engine stalling. The V6 is generally more reliable and more powerful. The turbo engine is newer but seems solid so far.
Electrical Gremlins
Some owners report problems with the Uconnect infotainment system. The screen can freeze, Bluetooth may disconnect, and the backup camera might fail. These issues are annoying but not dangerous.
Other electrical problems include faulty sensors and battery drain. These are less common but worth noting.
Performance And Driving Experience
How does the Cherokee actually drive? It depends on the engine and drivetrain you choose.
On-Road Manners
The Cherokee handles decently for an SUV. The ride is comfortable on highways and city streets. Steering is light but responsive. It is not sporty like a Mazda CX-5, but it is not a penalty box either.
Road noise is moderate. The cabin is quiet enough for conversation and music. The seats are supportive for long trips.
Off-Road Capability
This is where the Cherokee shines. The Trailhawk trim is the most capable. It comes with:
- Jeep Active Drive Lock with rear differential
- Skid plates for underbody protection
- All-terrain tires
- Increased ground clearance (8.7 inches)
You can take a Trailhawk on serious trails. It can handle rocks, mud, and steep inclines. Most other compact SUVs cannot do this.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is not a strong point. The 2.4L engine gets about 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The V6 drops to around 19 city and 27 highway. The turbo engine is slightly better but still not class-leading.
If fuel efficiency is your top priority, look at the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Honda CR-V. They get much better mileage.
Interior Comfort And Technology
The Cherokee’s interior is a mixed bag. It has some nice touches but also some cost-cutting.
Seating And Space
Front seats are comfortable and supportive. Rear seats are okay for two adults, but three will be tight. The cargo area is smaller than rivals. You get about 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats, compared to 39 in the CR-V.
If you need to haul a lot of gear, the Cherokee might feel cramped. The rear seats fold down to expand space, but the floor is not flat.
Infotainment System
The Uconnect system is one of the better ones in the industry. It is easy to use, with clear graphics and fast response times. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on newer models.
Some older models have a smaller screen that feels dated. Look for a 2019 or newer model to get the best tech.
Build Quality
Interior materials are a step below premium rivals. You will find hard plastics on the dashboard and doors. Higher trims add leather and soft-touch surfaces, but the base models feel cheap.
Fit and finish is generally good. But some owners report rattles and squeaks over time. This is more common in older, high-mileage examples.
Safety Ratings And Features
The Jeep Cherokee has good safety scores. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave it top marks in most crash tests.
Standard safety features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring (on higher trims)
These features work well and add peace of mind. The Cherokee is a safe choice for families.
Cost Of Ownership
Buying a Cherokee is one thing. Keeping it on the road is another. Let’s look at the costs.
Purchase Price
New Cherokees start around $30,000. Used models are more affordable, especially older ones. A 2015 model with average miles can be found for $15,000 to $20,000.
Depreciation is average. The Cherokee loses value faster than a Toyota or Honda, but slower than some domestic rivals.
Maintenance And Repairs
Maintenance costs are moderate. Routine services like oil changes and brake pads are similar to other SUVs. But repairs can be expensive, especially for the transmission.
If you buy a used Cherokee, get a pre-purchase inspection. Look for signs of transmission problems. A well-maintained example can be reliable, but a neglected one will cost you.
Insurance Costs
Insurance rates are average for the class. The Cherokee is not a high-risk vehicle, so premiums are reasonable. Get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate.
Which Year Is Best To Buy
Not all Cherokees are equal. Some years are much better than others. Here is a quick guide.
Years To Avoid
- 2014: First year of the new design, many transmission issues
- 2015: Still had transmission problems, plus some engine issues
- 2016: Improved but still risky
Years To Consider
- 2017: Transmission software updates made it more reliable
- 2018: Solid year with fewer complaints
- 2019: Refreshed design, better tech, improved reliability
- 2020-2023: Most reliable years, but more expensive
If you want the best value, look for a 2018 or 2019 model. They are affordable and much more dependable than the early years.
Comparing The Cherokee To Rivals
How does the Cherokee stack up against the competition? Here is a quick comparison.
Jeep Cherokee Vs Honda CR-V
The CR-V is more reliable, more fuel-efficient, and has more cargo space. But it cannot go off-road. If you never leave pavement, the CR-V is the better choice.
Jeep Cherokee Vs Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is also more reliable and efficient. It offers a hybrid option that gets great mileage. The RAV4 has a better resale value. But again, it lacks off-road capability.
Jeep Cherokee Vs Ford Escape
The Escape is sportier and more fun to drive. It has similar reliability issues. The Cherokee has better off-road ability. This is a close match, but the Cherokee wins for trail use.
Jeep Cherokee Vs Subaru Forester
The Forester has standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance. It is more reliable than the Cherokee. The Forester also has more cargo space. The Cherokee is better for serious off-roading, but the Forester is better for daily life.
Should You Buy A Jeep Cherokee
Now you have all the facts. Here is a simple checklist to help you decide.
Buy a Jeep Cherokee if:
- You need genuine off-road capability
- You like the unique styling
- You find a well-maintained 2018 or newer model
- You are willing to accept average reliability
Skip the Jeep Cherokee if:
- You want maximum reliability
- You need lots of cargo space
- Fuel economy is a top priority
- You plan to keep the car for 10+ years
In the end, the Cherokee is a niche vehicle. It excels at off-roading but falls short in other areas. If that trade-off works for you, it can be a great car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jeep Cherokees Reliable Cars?
Reliability varies by year. Early models (2014-2016) had transmission problems. Later models (2017 and newer) are more reliable. The V6 engine is generally more dependable than the 2.4L four-cylinder.
How Long Do Jeep Cherokees Last?
With proper maintenance, a Jeep Cherokee can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Some owners report higher mileage, but this requires careful upkeep. The transmission is often the weak point.
Is The Jeep Cherokee Good For Off-roading?
Yes, especially the Trailhawk trim. It has features like a rear locking differential, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. It is one of the most capable compact SUVs for off-road use.
What Is The Best Year For A Used Jeep Cherokee?
The 2018 and 2019 models offer the best balance of reliability and value. They have fewer reported issues than earlier years and come with modern tech features.
Does The Jeep Cherokee Have Good Resale Value?
Resale value is average. It holds value better than some domestic SUVs but worse than Toyota and Honda models. Depreciation is steeper in the first few years.
So, are jeep cherokees good cars? The answer depends on your priorities. If you value off-road ability and unique style over perfect reliability and fuel economy, the Cherokee can be a good choice. Just pick the right year and maintain it well.