The Jeep Cherokee is one of the oldest compact SUVs on the market, its current generation dates back to the 2014 model year. However, it still stands out for its good off-road capabilities, especially in the Trailhawk version, and its naturally aspirated V6 3.2 engine – Liter engine – a rarity in the class – capable of towing loads of up to 4,500 pounds.
The mystery still hangs over the arrival of a new generation. Some rumors point to the middle of the decade, which is still a long way off. In short, if you’re considering a used Jeep Cherokee, it’s not going to go out of style overnight.
Now, what about its weaknesses and things to look out for before deciding to buy one? We’ll get to that here, but before we go any further, you should know that the Cherokee’s most significant update is for the 2019 model year. You’ll easily recognize it by its more conventional front end with slimmer headlights. .
Photo: William Clavey
Limited space
The biggest weakness of this compact SUV is undoubtedly its interior volume, which is less lavish than that of the competition. Rear seat clearance is disappointing, as is cargo space, which is hampered by a trunk sill that is far too high. Not ideal for family, always compared to the competition.
On the front, the abundance of plastic elements and the arrangement of the controls leave a lot to be desired. In addition, the thickness of the windshield pillars impairs visibility on the road.
Photo: William Clavey
Three mechanics, one true choice
The Jeep Cherokee has the advantage of offering multiple mechanics, but only one really stands out. Under the Cherokee’s hood, the small 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which produces around 180 hp, has long proved insufficient and surly. It’s only suitable if you don’t get home quickly or if fuel economy is your top concern.
The second option is the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 (271 hp) mentioned at the beginning. It has proven itself and delivers a yield of great suppleness. Obviously, this engine has a bigger appetite than the four-cylinder, but you can still maintain an average fuel consumption of around 11L/100km.
Photo: William Clavey
Since 2019 there is also a 2-liter four-cylinder turbo engine (270 hp). However, it turns out to be noisy and not as reliable as the V6, needs the best fuel available and will certainly cost more to maintain and repair if it breaks down. It’s a risky choice, especially since it offers no real advantage over the V6.
Happy owners
The Jeep Cherokee owners we speak to are generally happy with their vehicle. Of course, the 2014-2015 models’ transmission problems were serious. However, if one tends towards a newer copy, the question of reliability does not arise so much.
Photo: William Clavey
Last important point: the Cherokee is one of the 10 long-recall-listed vehicles we brought to your attention two years ago. There are about thirty of them in Canada, imagine! It is therefore important to ensure that all Jeep-recommended repairs have been carried out before making a purchase and, of course, that the mechanical inspection does not reveal a major problem.