When Jeep's senior compact crossover hit the streets three years ago, buyers instantly liked what they saw. Since then, the Cherokee has become a top seller for the brand. To keep the ball rolling for 2017, the Cherokee receives its first significant update.
What's New for 2017
The Cherokee gets a substantial restyle at the front and rear, including a new grille and sleeker lighting and bumpers. The interior has been mildly freshened as well. Revised suspension tuning promises sharper handling on all models.
Choosing Your Jeep Cherokee
The Cherokee offers a good deal of passenger space for its class, and the rear seats slide and recline so everyone can get comfortable. You get 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space with a full crew aboard, and 54.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While these are passable figures, the interior layout clearly favors passenger room.
The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generates 184 horsepower. If that's not enough, you can opt for a 3.2-liter V6 with a hearty 271 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
There are two available all-wheel drive systems. Active Drive I is designed for bad weather and light off-road duty, while Active Drive II adds low-range gearing and a locking rear differential for true go-anywhere capability. Both systems feature a terrain selector and can be matched with either engine.
The Cherokee comes in five trim levels, from fairly basic to downright plush:
All Cherokee models are eligible for a 4,500-pound towing package. The Latitude and above can also get a dual-pane sunroof and the Overland's Alpine sound system.
The Trailhawk is the obvious choice for buyers who like to leave the road now and then. It's one of just a few compact crossovers with uncompromising off-road capability. For everyone else, the Limited offers the most content for the money, even though most buyers gravitate to the more affordable Sport.