The Cherokee has a long history of offering solid off-road capability in a compact, daily-driver package. If you are wondering “are jeep cherokees good vehicles,” the answer depends heavily on what you value most in a car. This guide breaks down the Cherokee’s strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to help you decide.
Many people look at the Jeep Cherokee and see a stylish SUV. But is it reliable? Is it fun to drive? We’ll answer those questions and more, step by step.
Are Jeep Cherokees Good Vehicles
To answer this directly: yes, Jeep Cherokees can be excellent vehicles, but they are not perfect for everyone. They shine in certain areas like off-road ability and unique styling, but they have some known issues too. Let’s look at the key factors that make them good or bad for you.
Overall Reliability And Common Problems
Reliability is a big question for any used car. The Jeep Cherokee has had a mixed record here. Early models (2014-2016) had more problems than later ones. Newer Cherokees are generally better, but you should still be aware of common issues.
- Transmission issues: Some early models had rough shifting or failures with the 9-speed automatic. This was mostly fixed by 2017.
- Electrical gremlins: Problems with the infotainment screen, power windows, or sensors can pop up.
- Engine reliability: The 3.2L V6 is generally solid. The 2.4L four-cylinder can feel underpowered and has had some oil consumption complaints.
- Cooling system leaks: A few owners report radiator or hose leaks, especially in older models.
Overall, a well-maintained Cherokee from 2017 or newer is a decent bet. Older ones need a careful inspection and service history check.
Off-Road Capability And Trail Rated Models
This is where the Cherokee really stands out. Not many compact SUVs can match its off-road chops. The Trailhawk trim is the star here.
- Trail Rated badge: Means it passed tests for traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording.
- Jeep Active Drive Lock: A rear locking differential for serious traction on rocks or mud.
- Selec-Terrain system: Lets you choose modes like Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock.
- Ground clearance: Trailhawk models have 8.7 inches, which is great for light to moderate trails.
If you plan to go off-road often, the Cherokee is one of the best choices in its class. Even base models have decent ground clearance for dirt roads.
On-Road Driving Experience And Comfort
On pavement, the Cherokee is a mixed bag. It is not as sporty as a Mazda CX-5, but it is comfortable for daily driving.
- Ride quality: Generally smooth and absorbs bumps well, especially on the highway.
- Handling: It feels stable but not sharp. Steering is light and easy for parking.
- Noise: Some wind noise at highway speeds, but it is acceptable for the class.
- Engine options: The V6 is peppy and smooth. The four-cylinder is adequate for city driving but struggles on steep hills.
For most people, the Cherokee drives fine. It is not thrilling, but it is not uncomfortable either. It is a good all-arounder for commuting and errands.
Interior Quality And Technology
The Cherokee’s interior is a step up from older Jeeps. It feels modern and well-built, though not luxurious.
- Materials: Soft-touch plastics on the dash and doors. Cloth seats are durable, leather is available on higher trims.
- Infotainment: The Uconnect system is one of the best in the industry. It is fast, easy to use, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Space: Rear seat legroom is decent for two adults, but tight for three. Cargo space is average for the class (about 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats).
- Seats: Front seats are comfortable for long drives. Rear seats are a bit firm but fine for short trips.
The tech is a strong point. The Uconnect system alone makes the Cherokee feel modern and connected.
Fuel Economy And Cost Of Ownership
Fuel economy is not the Cherokee’s strongest feature. It is average for its class.
- 2.4L four-cylinder: Around 22 city / 31 highway mpg. But real-world numbers are often lower, around 20-25 combined.
- 3.2L V6: About 20 city / 29 highway mpg. Expect around 18-22 combined in real driving.
- Trailhawk: Lower due to off-road gear, around 18 city / 25 highway.
- Maintenance: Costs are average for a compact SUV. Parts are easy to find, and repairs are not overly expensive.
If fuel economy is your top priority, look at a hybrid or a smaller SUV. But for most owners, the Cherokee’s fuel costs are acceptable.
Safety Ratings And Features
Safety is a strong area for the Cherokee. It earned good scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA.
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick for many model years, with good scores in crash tests.
- NHTSA: 4 out of 5 stars overall for most years.
- Standard safety features: Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring on higher trims.
- Optional: Adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.
If safety matters a lot to you, the Cherokee is a solid choice. It has the features you need to stay protected.
Trim Levels And Which One To Buy
The Cherokee comes in several trims. Each offers different features and capabilities.
- Sport: Base model. Good value but lacks some tech and comfort features.
- Latitude: Adds nicer interior materials, a bigger touchscreen, and more safety features.
- Limited: Leather seats, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a premium sound system.
- Trailhawk: The off-road king. Has all the Trail Rated gear, plus unique styling and more rugged tires.
- Overland: Top luxury trim with ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded leather.
For most people, the Latitude or Limited trims offer the best balance of features and price. If you off-road, the Trailhawk is the one to get.
Common Complaints From Owners
No car is perfect. Here are the most common complaints from Cherokee owners.
- Transmission hesitation: Some drivers notice a lag when accelerating from a stop, especially in early models.
- Infotainment glitches: The screen can freeze or restart occasionally, though updates have helped.
- Rough idle: A few owners report a shaky idle, often related to engine mounts or software.
- Poor fuel economy: Real-world mpg often falls short of EPA estimates, especially in city driving.
- Rear seat comfort: The back seat is not the most spacious or comfortable for long trips.
These issues are not universal, but they are worth knowing about before you buy.
How The Cherokee Compares To Rivals
The Cherokee competes with many popular compact SUVs. Here is how it stacks up.
- Honda CR-V: More reliable, more cargo space, better fuel economy. Less off-road capable.
- Toyota RAV4: Similar reliability, better resale value, but less off-road ability.
- Mazda CX-5: More fun to drive, nicer interior, but less off-road capability and less cargo space.
- Subaru Forester: Better standard all-wheel drive, more cargo space, but less off-road hardware.
- Ford Escape: More sporty handling, better fuel economy, but less off-road ability.
The Cherokee’s main advantage is its off-road capability. If you do not need that, a CR-V or RAV4 might be a better all-around choice.
Resale Value And Depreciation
Jeep Cherokees do not hold their value as well as some rivals. They depreciate faster than a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.
- After 3 years: A Cherokee loses about 40-45% of its value. A RAV4 loses about 35-40%.
- After 5 years: Depreciation is around 55-60% for the Cherokee.
- Trailhawk models: Hold value slightly better due to their off-road appeal.
This means you can get a good deal on a used Cherokee. But if you plan to sell it in a few years, expect a lower return than some competitors.
Long-Term Ownership Experience
Many owners keep their Cherokees for 5-10 years. Here is what you can expect.
- Early years (0-3): Generally trouble-free, especially if you buy a newer model.
- Middle years (4-7): Some minor issues may appear, like sensor failures or small leaks.
- Later years (8+): More frequent repairs, especially for the transmission or cooling system.
Regular maintenance is key. Oil changes, transmission fluid changes, and coolant flushes will help the Cherokee last longer.
Is The Cherokee Good For Families?
Yes, the Cherokee can work well for small families. It has enough space for two kids and their gear.
- Car seats: Easy to install in the back seat. The LATCH system is easy to use.
- Cargo: The trunk is big enough for a stroller and groceries. The 60/40 split seats add flexibility.
- Safety: Good crash test scores and standard safety features give peace of mind.
- Entertainment: The Uconnect system supports rear-seat entertainment options.
For a family of four, the Cherokee is a practical choice. For larger families, a bigger SUV like the Grand Cherokee might be better.
Should You Buy A Used Jeep Cherokee?
Buying used is a smart way to save money on a Cherokee. Here are some tips.
- Check the model year: Avoid 2014-2016 models if possible. Look for 2017 or newer.
- Get a service history: Make sure the transmission fluid was changed regularly.
- Test drive: Pay attention to how the transmission shifts and if the engine idles smoothly.
- Inspect for leaks: Look under the car for any oil or coolant leaks.
- Check the infotainment: Make sure the screen works and all buttons respond.
A well-maintained used Cherokee can be a great value. Just do your homework before buying.
Final Verdict: Are Jeep Cherokees Good Vehicles?
So, are Jeep Cherokees good vehicles? The answer is yes, with some caveats. They are excellent for off-road driving and have a comfortable interior with great tech. But they are not the most reliable or fuel-efficient choice in their class.
If you need a compact SUV that can handle trails and snow, the Cherokee is a top pick. If you mostly drive on pavement and want maximum reliability, a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 might be better. For most people, the Cherokee offers a good balance of capability, comfort, and style.
Just be sure to buy a newer model (2017 or later) and keep up with maintenance. That way, you can enjoy your Cherokee for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Jeep Cherokee reliable for long trips?
Yes, the Cherokee is comfortable and stable on the highway. The V6 engine provides good power for passing. Just keep up with maintenance to avoid breakdowns.
What is the best year for a used Jeep Cherokee?
The 2017 and 2018 models are often considered the best. They have fewer transmission issues and better build quality than earlier years.
Does the Jeep Cherokee have good resale value?
Not as good as some rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. But you can find good deals on used Cherokees because of this.
Can the Jeep Cherokee handle snow?
Yes, especially with the available all-wheel drive systems. The Trailhawk model is excellent in deep snow.
Is the Jeep Cherokee expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs are average for a compact SUV. Parts are affordable, and repairs are not overly complicated.