2021 Jeep Cherokee

With the MY 2021, the changes to the Jeep Cherokee SUV include an alteration to its feature set and also sees the introduction of the 80th Anniversary Edition trim. Apart from that, it is still an agile rider that garners attention with its towing and off-roading capabilities and competes with segment stalwarts like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Mazda CX-5.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is available in a number of trim levels to cater to the needs of a distinct section of buyers in the segment. It falls in a price range that extends from $27,210 for the base Latitude trim that gets features like a rear spoiler, rearview camera, and cruise control and goes up to $38,280 for the High-Altitude variant that sits at the top of the lineup. It gets the best of features and sports optional packages to add to its extravagance. Amongst the trims, the 2021 Cherokee shares three engine options to deliver performance that ranges from affable to ludicrous.

We Recommend

Considering that each trim has its value to add to the driving experience, we recommend the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. It looks on par with other SUVs in the segment and its raw magnetism and off-roading capabilities make it an irresistible offer. Priced at $36,085, it is available with a standard all-wheel drivetrain and features all-terrain tires that improve drivability on all surfaces. However, if you are looking for a daily city driver the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux that ranks midway in the segment and features a potent V6, could be an ideal choice.

The idea of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee being curated to cater to a number of buyers is evident in the number of engine options it provides. Each engine is different in its setup and is tuned to deliver performance as per the driver’s appetite. The base unit on offer is a 2.4L inline-4 engine that produces 180hp and 171lb.-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in 16 seconds, which is average as per class.

The second engine option is a 3.2L V6 unit that outputs, 271hp and 239lb.-ft of torque. This engine differs from the higher placed 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 unit only diminutively. The latter belts out 270hp, which is only one horse less but produces the highest amount of torque and is rated at 295lb.-ft. As standard, each engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission and can be channeled either as an FWD or AWD variant.

The relative competitiveness of the segment is evident in the power and torque outputs and the performance each SUV delivers. While the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe churns out 191hp and 181lb.-ft of torque and leads the segment clocking 7 seconds to the 60mph mark, the 2021 Honda CR-V bears distinction in the segment by making use of a CVT unit and a turbocharged engine. It manages similar performance as the Mazda CX-5 and in this aspect, it is difficult to declare a certain winner.

How well does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee handle?

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has been devised for sheer driving pleasure and it remains streets ahead of its competitors, thanks to a nimble yet sporty experience. Each usable element of the powertrain sits well in tandem with the other bestowing what can be called, neat and linear acceleration with great handling capabilities. The steering system is responsive and makes the driver feel connected to the ground at all times, allowing for a sturdy and planted ride.

Sweep through the city and the Cherokee feels right weighted and contains the body roll, oh so nicely. Being a traditional Jeep, it handles the off-roads with great aplomb, and even breezing through the highway is an easy task. It feels carved to perform in any condition and while the transmission might feel slow-moving to some, we feel it shifts in time and you seldom feel a lag.

2021 Jeep Cherokee Braking Performance

Like its acceleration performance, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee’s likability extends to its braking capabilities as well. Being one of the lighter vehicles in the segment, the SUV handles its weight well and while decelerating from the 60mph mark, it comes to a halt in 116ft, which is the best-in-class. It makes use of 4-wheel ABS technology and features a set of ventilated and solid disc brakes at the front and rear, that measure 13 and 11 inches, respectively.

While the 2021 Mazda CX-5 does take longer than the Jeep, its performance is praiseworthy considering it is almost 800lbs heavier than its competitors. Yet it covers 125ft while decelerating, which is better than the Hyundai Santa Fe, which takes additional 5ft, despite housing the largest set of brake rotors that measure 12.8 and 12-inches respectively. The performance potential of the Honda CR-V in the aspect is, however, not known.

The efficiency that you can derive out of your 2021 Jeep Cherokee will depend on the trim you opt for. While the base engine is rated at 22/31/25 MPG in the city, highway, and combined, the higher trims with the V6 and turbocharged engine average 22 and 24 MPG. However, it does feature a sizable tank that can hold 15.8-gallons and can help cover a total range of 348 city miles and 490 highway miles.

When compared to the rivals the 2021 Santa Fe might not be the most efficient option in the segment, however, its voluminous fuel tank of 18.8-gallons allows it to cover 470 and 526 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively. Both in the city and on the highway, it is the 2021 CR-V that emerges most frugal, averaging 28 and 34 MPG. But due to its smaller tank, the Honda SUV loses out on the range.

On the face of it, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee interiors seem to be commodious and airy, however, they are smaller than most of its competitors. While the SUV can seat five passengers, we’d suggest traveling with four occupants only, for better space and comfort of all individuals. Irrespective of its capaciousness, the seats on the inside grant maximum support and comfort. While front seats come with lumbar support on the higher-level trims, each seat has ample under-thigh and knee support, that make long journeys bearable and less tiresome. While the standard cloth upholstery feels adequate as per price, the Nappa Leather upholstery available from the Latitude Lux trim feels upmarket and plush and enhances the cabin’s feel manifold.

In terms of design and setup, the 2021 Cherokee looks ergonomic without compromising on practicality. It is typical of the brand and the dual-tone interior setup looks above its class. You find the “Jeep” logo mounted on the steering wheel alongside the controls for the infotainment system and the wooden inserts on the dashboard and central console are subtle hints of luxury that complement well the hi-tech aura that engulfs the cabin.

Like the ingress and egress, access to the cargo space is easy. However, cargo capacity is not the SUV’s strongest suit. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee can manage a trunk volume of 25.8 cubic feet with all seats in an upright position. Fold the second row down, and space increases considerably to 54.7 cubic feet, which might not be the best, but will help you carry more than ten cargo boxes.

Cabin refinement and design are not an issue with any of the SUVs. Each provides a holistic setup that is apt for family hauling and is easy to adapt to. However, interior space differs evidently. While the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has maximum head-, shoulder-, and legroom up front and at the back, it loses out to the Honda CR-V in terms of cargo capacity that has a trunk volume of 39.2 cubic feet and is closely followed by the Hyundai. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 on the other hand, manages similar space on the inside but has an evident advantage in cargo carrying.

Some salient interior features of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee include:

• Rear Ventilation Ducts
• Air Conditioning
• Interior Air Filtration
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Cruise Control
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

Like all other usable elements, the infotainment system of the Cherokee is intuitive and user-friendly. It is a tech-laden vehicle that introduces the best of features from the base variant itself. Depending on the trim, you either get a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen display unit that is placed centrally.

While both have quick response timings, the larger screen is the better option, for it looks more precise and premium. From the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus trim, the SUV gets equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some salient infotainment features include:

• Smart Device Integration
• USB Connection
• AM/FM Stereo
• U-Connect Infotainment System
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• 6-speaker Sound System

Absolutely! The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a looker even from afar. You would want to stop and stare at it for a while. It looks on par with other SUVs in the segment but gains ascendancy with its sharper lines and edges. It looks brawny and beefy making it off-road ready. The LED head- and taillamps alongside the 7-slate traditional Jeep grille look appealing. Despite falling into a similar segment as its sibling the Jeep Compass, the Cherokee looks sleeker and contains its dimensions gracefully.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee sits either on 17, 18, or 19-inch wheels. In terms of dimensions, it is similar to its competitors. While its ground clearance is not known, the 2021 Cherokee is 73.2 inches wide and 65.7 inches tall with a total length and wheelbase of 182 and 106.5 inches, respectively.

Given that most SUVs have been revamped or revised previously, each vehicle looks stunning. However, the Jeep and Hyundai have sharper and more defined looks, while the Mazda and Honda have hints of sophistication. In terms of dimensions, there is not much to differentiate between the vehicles. While all have similar length and height, the 2021 CX-5 is the shortest measuring 179.1 inches, while the Santa Fe is the widest and sports the longest wheelbase of 108.9 inches.

Some exterior options include:

• Spare tire
• Rear Spoiler
• Fog Lamps
• LED Head and taillights
• 17/18/19-inch tire
• Tradition Jeep Grille

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee carries forward the brand’s legacy of providing reliable and safe vehicles that score impressively when tested. It manages 5-star ratings by the NHTSA and achieves a rating of “Good” in the majority of aspects by the IIHS. It provides a number of driver-assistance technology, which makes it a viable competitor against its rivals.

Some of its salient features include:

• Blind-spot Monitor
• Rearview Camera
• Lane Departure Warning System 
• Forward Collision Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Parallel and Perpendicular Parking Assist

2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V is one of the oldest competitors in the segment. In almost two decades of its existence, it has garnered attention from all spheres and is one of the most liked SUVs. While there is not much to distinguish between the two options here, the CR-V gains ascendancy being a true family hauler that has higher space on the inside and sports a larger cargo unit.

It looks sporty and sophisticated and delivers affable performance. While acceleration capabilities are similar, the 2021 CR-V produces higher output and yet maintains better efficiency. Its infotainment system is user-friendly and like the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, it hosts a slew of safety features. Amongst the two, the CR-V would be an undisputed choice for us.

2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most powerful options available in the segment. It produces the highest power and torque outputs and maintains higher efficiency, regardless. With its recent redesign, it now falls under the brand’s newest design strategy and looks contemporary and new-fangled. Its spacious, refined, and tech-heavy on the inside and even comes with an overtly intuitive infotainment system.

The only possible advantage that the 2021 Cherokee has over Santa Fe, is in its performance while decelerating. Keeping all other factors in mind, the more affordable Hyundai Santa Fe performs better in aspects more than one and we do not see any reason to veto it.

2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 gains ground over the 2021 Cherokee with its subtle design and lively driving dynamics. It is rather frugal and has better cargo capacity. But that is where its ascendancy starts to fade. The Jeep compact SUV is better when it comes to braking and performs with great aplomb. Even the interior space is marginally higher and considering the segment that these SUVs fall in, the ergonomic cabin setup of the Cherokee allows it to present itself as the more viable option in comparison.

Well, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is definitely a package to consider. It provides you with three engine options, a potent powertrain, and off-roading capabilities you’d seldom find in the class. Yet it fails to match the abilities and prowess of most of its competitors. While it does look the part with its traditional grille and has an extremely intuitive infotainment system to its name, it continues to suffer from flaws like constrained interior and cargo space. It is priced that expensively but justifies the additional premium one pays with its extensive safety features. We’d definitely have a look at the Jeep Cherokee if we were in the segment to buy a compact SUV, however, with the likes of the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe, still reigning in the market, it will take some time for the SUV to fit in as a mainstream competitor.