When it first appeared in 2014, the Jeep Cherokee's look sharply divided the brand's faithful. What that polarizing look has done since, however, is help the Cherokee sell like hotcakes, along with the model’s authentic ruggedness and the freedom of its a la carte option lineup.
What's New for 2018
Jeep has revamped the Cherokee’s trim levels – killing the bottom-shelf Sport to leave the Latitude as the new base while fortifying its list of standard features with HID headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, and a backup camera. A brand new Latitude Plus debuts, outfitted with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, and more.
Also new is the $2,295 Tech Connect Package. Created in partnership with Amazon and available on the Latitude trim, it includes the 8.4-inch Uconnect 3C system, an Amazon Echo Dot device, a three-month subscription to the Amazon Music Unlimited Family Plan and a three-month membership to Audible. The package allows Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant to interface with the Cherokee so that owners can remotely start and stop the engine, lock/unlock the doors, and more via Alexa voice commands.
Choosing Your Jeep Cherokee
Deciding on which 2018 Jeep Cherokee is the right fit is as simple – or difficult – as figuring out what one will require of it. Starting from the basic commuter-duty Latitude with front-wheel drive ($24,990 including $1,095 destination), the Cherokee can be outfitted as a high-content luxury cruiser, a rugged rock-crawler, and everything in between.
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque is standard on nearly every Cherokee. A 3.2-liter V6 with 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque and standard stop/start technology is a $1,745 option across the board, except on the range-topping, four-wheel-drive-equipped Overland. Aside from the off-road-ready Trailhawk, front-wheel drive is standard while one of Jeep's many four-wheel-drive systems is a $1,500 optional extra. A nine-speed automatic is the only available transmission.
Front-drive four-cylinder Cherokee models return an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon city, 30 highway, and 25 combined, while a front-drive V6 only loses one mpg on the highway and combined ratings. Grabbing a four-wheel-drive Latitude with the four-cylinder drops the EPA estimate to 21 city, 28 highway, and 23 combined, while the base V6/four-wheel-drive combo loses one mpg in the city.
Because it uses a different four-wheel-drive system – Jeep's so-called Active Drive II – the Latitude Plus, Limited, and Overland share distinct fuel economy estimates. Four-cylinder models return 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined, while adding the V6 to any of these models drops the EPA estimates to 18 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.
Bringing up the rear is the off-road-ready Cherokee Trailhawk – in four-cylinder form, it nets just 19 city, 25 highway, and 22 combined, although ultimate inefficiency is still the realm of the V6 model, which returns just 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is available in five trims.
CarsDirect Tip
If you like the Cherokee but can’t stand its unorthodox looks, fear not: the 2019 model – among other things – has been spied wearing a new front fascia with more conventional style. But if you think the 2018 is the bee’s knees – you don’t need the full-on off-road Trailhawk – the new Latitude Plus trim level is the sweet spot for affordability and available options.
Small crossover utility vehicles are ideal for driving around town, but usually aren’t designed for anything more than light-duty off-road use. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is an exception, a five-passenger vehicle with an available Trailhawk edition, and the content to keep small and growing families happy.
Best Value
The 2018 Cherokee comes in five trims —Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk. The Limited four-wheel drive model has a starting price of $32,390 (including a $1,095 destination charge).
We see the Cherokee Limited as offering the best value because it offers such popular amenities as remote vehicle start, dual-zone climate control, and driver-assist features. We advise upgrading to the V6 if you plan to take your Cherokee off road.
Model:2018 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4
Engine:3.2-liter, V6
Output:271 hp/ 239 lb-ft
Transmission:Nine-speed automatic
Drivetrain:All-wheel drive
MPG:20 city / 27 highway
Options:V6 engine ($1,745), four-wheel drive ($1,500), Technology Group Package ($1,645, adaptive cruise control with stop and go ability, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, parallel and perpendicular park assist, automatic high beams, and advanced brake assist)
Base Price:$30,890 (including $1,095 destination charge)
Best Value Price:$35,780
Performance
The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque,, while providing a failry quiet driving character. The Cherokee's 3.2-liter V6 generates 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. The added performance is welcome, although the additional weight pushes the Cherokee above two tons on some trim levels. Both engines work alongside a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is jerky at times. The best way to overcome the sensation is to shift into sport mode for sharper gear shifting.
The all-wheel drive models do an admirable job of mimicking four-wheel drive, beginning with Active Drive II, simulating low range and a decent crawl ratio. With the Selec-Terrain system, the selectable drive system handles mud, sand, rock and snow with ease. To save fuel, this system can even declutch its rear wheels. Consider the Trailhawk if you want an extra inch of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and a locking rear differential.
When properly equipped, the 2018 Cherokee with the base engine can pull up to 2,000 pounds. The V6-equipped model has a best-in-class 4,500-pound tow rating.
Interior and Exterior
The 2018 Cherokee isn’t like other Jeep models. Five years after Jeep resurrected the model name, we’re still scratching our heads, not sure of the reasoning behind going with a design that’s still very controversial. From the haphazard grille to the odd-looking LED running lights and on to curiously placed headlamps, there’s more going on here than we like. The rest of the body is much less controversial, but not especially inspiring either.
The good news is that the interior largely cancels out the exterior with a design that’s pure crossover. Throughout the interior plastics are liberally applied, but the textures are pleasing and the color choices interesting.
The front seats are quite comfortable – legroom is excellent in the second row, although shoulder space is tight. The Cherokee Limited delivers the most comfortable seats as they’re sufficiently bolstered and wrapped in Nappa leather.
You’ll find ample storage space and compartments too. The front seat folds down for carrying long objects diagonally. We like the Cherokee’s cargo management system with a hanging grocery bag.
The Best and Worst Things
Its polarizing looks aside, the Cherokee does more than competing models and supplies lots of active-safety options and a good infotainment system, but its fuel economy is nothing special and the nine-speed transmission isn’t as smooth as we’d like.
Right For...
Anyone wanting a small crossover with true off-road capabilities. The best model here is the Cherokee Trailhawk with its higher ground clearance, knobbly tires, selectable traction, and simulated low range.
Wrong For...
The Cherokee’s polarizing style is wrong for some people, but before you look beyond Jeep altogether, consider the all-new Compass, coming in slightly smaller, yet with its own off-road capabilities and a far more palatable look.
The Bottom Line
The Jeep Cherokee offers the best off-road credentials of any model in the segment. That said, it's also useful for people that will never venture off paved roads. If you fall into the latter camp, then the base engine with front-wheel drive is all you need.
Read Less
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Standard:
2.4L I-4 / 184 HP / 171 ft.lbs.
Available:
2.4L I-4 / 184 HP / 171 ft.lbs.3.2L V-6 / 271 HP / 239 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
9-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
21 / 30 / 25 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard:
2.4L I-4 / 184 HP / 171 ft.lbs.
Available:
2.4L I-4 / 184 HP / 171 ft.lbs.3.2L V-6 / 271 HP / 239 ft.lbs.
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