Used 2018 Jeep Cherokee

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is just one student in a crowded class that includes best-sellers like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. With a dozen other rivals in the compact-SUV segment, it can be difficult to stand out. Yet the Cherokee manages to do so, thanks largely to its inherent "Jeep-ness." That is, its rugged image isn’t just for show. All models have an attitude for adventure, and properly outfitted such as in Trailhawk form, the Cherokee is a legitimate off-roader. In everyday commuting, the Cherokee is comfortable and quiet, and boasts a strong roster of tech and amenities. It’s also one of the last small SUVs to offer a V6 engine, which is fortunate because the standard 4-cylinder can feel anemic.

While you probably expect the Jeep Cherokee to stand apart from rivals like the Honda CR-V where the pavement ends, you might be pleasantly surprised to know that it’s quite comfortable and quiet on-road, too. It’s not very fun to drive in corners, but it shines on the highway, taking some of the misery from a long commute. The standard 4-cylinder isn’t very peppy, so bring patience for passing and getting up to speed. The optional V6 handles tasks better, but the 9-speed transmission that’s linked to both engines can be hesitant but seems to be improving over earlier versions. If you are one for off-road adventures, or just live where snow and muddy roads are part of life, you’ll appreciate the Selec-Terrain system on 4-wheel-drive models that optimizes the Cherokee for such conditions with the twist of a dial.

The Cherokee’s 2-row/5-passenger interior blends traditional Jeep cues — such as the trapezoidal "center stack" — with modern touches to create an attractive and upscale layout. The front seats are surprisingly well-padded and comfortable. 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. On Latitude Plus and higher models, the front-passenger seat also folds. Still, the Cherokee can’t touch cargo-carrying capacity of the CR-V: 54.9 cubic feet with rear seats folded, vs. 75.8 cubic feet in the Honda.

"Polarizing" is one way to describe the Jeep Cherokee, most notably regarding its headlights. 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, in favor of thin light housings that seem to squint. But there remain other Jeep characteristics, such as the 7-slot grille that folds it into the hood. The less-controversial rear resembles the Grand Cherokee SUV. Trailhawk versions kick up the attitude with a higher ride, red-painted front tow hooks, skidplates and more aggressive front and rear treatments.

V6 ENGINE
The Jeep Cherokee is one of only two non-luxury compact SUVs to offer a V6 (Mitsubishi’s Outlander is the other). Where its rivals have turned to turbocharged 4-cylinders for extra power, the Jeep gets it the old-fashioned way with extra cylinders and more displacement.

TOWING CAPACITY
Here’s another reason to opt for the V6. With this engine, the 2018 Cherokee’s towing capacity increases from 2,000 pounds with the 4-cylinder to 4,500 pounds, an impressive figure for a small SUV.

With 2018’s trim shuffle, the Jeep Cherokee lineup now starts with the Latitude trim, which includes air conditioning, high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, 17-inch aluminum wheels and rearview camera. The basic Uconnect infotainment system includes a 5-inch display with rearview camera monitor, and 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio, USB/auxiliary inputs and Bluetooth connectivity. If you can afford the extra $1,900, you’re better off in the new Latitude Plus trim, which includes the larger 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with SiriusXM satellite radio, cloth and leather seats, power driver’s seat and 115-volt A/C.

Stepping up to the Cherokee Limited adds a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring (both optional on Latitude Plus), power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, universal garage remote, 18-inch wheels and remote engine start. Cherokee Overland trims have premium leather seating, power-adjustable passenger seat, navigation, Alpine premium audio system and cornering fog lights. Cherokee Trailhawk trims add off-road-oriented features, including the Jeep Active Drive II system with Drive Lock and rock-crawling terrain mode. Options range from safety/driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking to a dual-pane sunroof and ventilated front seats. Notably absent are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Two engines are offered in the 2018 Cherokee. Standard is 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder that makes 184 horsepower, not a lot as this vehicle can top 4,000 pounds. Better suited is the 271-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6, standard on the 4×4 Overland and optional on all other models. Both engines use a 9-speed automatic transmission, whether equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). Three different 4WD systems are available, starting with the base Jeep Active Drive I with a single-speed transfer case. Active Drive II has a 2-speed transfer case, while Active Drive Lock is reserved for the Trailhawk, which also includes the Rock mode in the Selec-Terrain system. The Cherokee is rated to tow 2,000 pounds with the 4-cylinder or 4,500 with the V6.

2.4-liter inline-4
184 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
171 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (FWD), 21/28 mpg (4WD Active Drive I), 21/27 mpg (4WD Active Drive II), 19/25 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), 20/27 mpg (4WD Active Drive I), 18/26 mpg (4WD Active Drive II), 18/24 mpg (4WD Trailhawk)