Used 2016 Jeep Cherokee

Unlike the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee crossover SUV boasts genuine off-road credentials worthy of the Jeep name. Even in its most formidable trim level – that being the rugged Trailhawk – the Cherokee surrenders nothing in the way of comfort or handling. When the need arises, however, the Cherokee’s low-range mode and three different 4-wheel-drive systems permit everything from light off-roading to rock crawling through passes unnavigable by most Cherokee rivals. Yet, for all its rough and tough bravado, the Cherokee’s interior is a luxurious oasis of modern design and technology. Toss in the available V6 engine and standard 9-speed transmission, and you get a compact-crossover SUV unlike any other in the segment.

The Jeep Cherokee SUV for 2016 is offered in five variations: Sport, Latitude, Altitude, Limited and Trailhawk. All but the Trailhawk come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD); 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional. The Cherokee competes well with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. However, the Cherokee’s 4-cylinder engine isn’t as smooth or refined as the Honda’s, nor is it as fuel-efficient. Fuel economy notwithstanding, the optional V6 is the best engine for on-road acceleration and off-road exploration. Along with the three available 4WD options is the Selec-Terrain system that allows for optimal off-road traction. Drivers can choose settings for Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock. Or, one can simply set the knob to “Auto” and let the Cherokee select the best mode. All Cherokees are endowed with generous approach and departure angles and good ground clearance, while the Trailhawk maximizes the Cherokee’s off-road potential.

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee SUV interior blends traditional Jeep cues – such as the trapezoidal "center stack" – with modern touches to create an attractive and upscale layout. The seats offer good support and come trimmed in either attractive cloth or soft Nappa leather. The heated and ventilated top-of-the-line seats also come with power adjustments and memory. The 2nd-row seats adjust forward and backward for better legroom, and split 60/40 for maximum cargo flexibility. We were particularly fond of the available wireless-device charging pad, plus the enormous glove box. However, we do wish the Cherokee offered more room overall inside.

Polarizing is the best way to sum up the Jeep Cherokee for 2016. It’s one thing to stray from the traditional Jeep design aesthetic of round headlights flanking a 7-slot grille, but quite another to ditch the appearance of headlights entirely. However, we’ve warmed up to the newest Jeep Cherokee, and there’s a lot here that says “Jeep.” The 7-slot grille has a "kink" folding it into the hood, and the less controversial rear resembles the Grand Cherokee SUV. Trailhawk versions kick up the macho with a higher ride, red-painted front tow hooks, skidplates and more aggressive front and rear treatments.

9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
German transmission specialist ZF created a 9-speed automatic for the Cherokee that not only improves performance and fuel economy it works without a glitch, giving the potent V6 engine highway fuel economy as good as some 4-cylinder competitors.

SELEC-TERRAIN
The secret to the 2016 Jeep Cherokee’s off-road prowess is hidden in its Selec-Terrain system. Utilizing 12 different vehicle systems including the stability, brake, drivetrain, powertrain and transmission controllers, the Cherokee ensures maximum traction in all situations.

All Jeep Cherokee SUVs come standard with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, offering very good fuel economy and a range of about 500 miles on a tank of gasoline. Other standard equipment includes a Uconnect 5-inch touch-screen media center that includes Bluetooth, USB, SD and auxiliary ports. Also standard are a 3.5-inch full-color center display, 10 air bags, electronic stability control, traction control, Hill-start Assist, electric power steering, and an electric parking brake, plus cruise control, air conditioning with rear outlets, and remote keyless entry. The Jeep Cargo Management system includes standard hooks and a storage tote.

Jeep Cherokee Latitude, Altitude, Limited and Trailhawk models can get the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine. There are three 4WD systems available as well: Active Drive I, Active Drive II and, on Trailhawk models, Active Drive Lock. Other upgrades include an 8.4-inch touch screen for Uconnect, an Alpine premium audio with nine speakers and a subwoofer, and a CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof with power sunshade. Cherokee Limited models add leather, heated power seats and steering wheel, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Trailhawk models emphasize off-road capabilities with skidplates, an increased ride height and a more rugged look.

The base engine for all 2016 Jeep Cherokee models is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine offering 184 horsepower. However, unlike many of its competitors, Jeep offers a V6 engine in its small SUV as well: a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 horsepower, and the added ability to tow up to 4,500 pounds. Both engines offer good fuel economy, with the 4-cylinder obviously being the fuel-sipper’s choice. Both engines come with a 9-speed automatic transmission, whether equipped with front-drive or 4WD. Three different 4WD systems are available, ranging from the Jeep Active Drive I and Jeep Active Drive II, to the aggressive Jeep Active Drive Lock reserved for the off-road-ready Trailhawk. V6 models get a modest fuel economy bump thanks to the standard start-stop mechanism.

2.4-liter inline-4
184 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
171 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg (FWD), 21/28 mpg (4WD Active Drive I), 21/27 mpg (4WD Active Drive II), 19/26 mpg (4WD Trailhawk)

3.2-liter V6
271 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
239 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg (FWD), 20/28 mpg (4WD Active Drive I), 19/26 mpg (4WD Active Drive II), 19/25 mpg (4WD Trailhawk)