2017 Jeep Cherokee

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is not just all about the show. It always stands out when compared any other average crossovers like Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan for its well-organized cabin and its comfy ride. However, its subpar fuel economy and low cargo space might make you reconsider your choice.

Available at a base price of $23,695, the 2017 Cherokee is available in 6 trims. The basic trims are provided with a 2.4L 4 cylinder engine which is a bit sluggish and noisy when compared to the higher models which have a V6 engine. All the trims are available with a standard All-Wheel-Drive option with 9 automatic transmissions.

Apart from that, all the trims are equipped with UConnect Infotainment system and SelecTerrain systems for the best driving experience. The UConnect system comes with 8.4 touch screen with organized menus and Quick response. The SelecTerrain helps the commuters to get a comfortable experience on every road.

We recommend

If you can add about an extra $3000 to your budget then it will be a better option to choose a higher model with a V6 engine compared to the 4 cylinder engine of the base model.

“The 2017 Cherokee is on the heavy side for this segment, which is why the four-cylinder engine can feel sluggish despite its competitive horsepower and torque.”- Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is a 5 seater SUV available in two types of engines. The base models are equipped with the 2.4L 4 cylinder engine. Although this engine is a bit sluggish and noisy at times, it is an ideal city ride for daily commuters. It is also available with a 3.2L V6 engine in the higher models for a smooth and power-driven experience on all terrains.

All the trims are equipped except the Trailhawk are equipped with a standard All-Wheel-Drive and an optional Front-Wheel-Drive system with 9 automatic transmissions. The Trailhawk has only one driving option i.e., the All-Wheel-Drive, but is one of the topmost performer amongst the series.

The sluggish 2.4L 4 Cylinder engine of the base model has a horsepower of 184hp and produces a torque of 171 lb-ft which is less when compared to its competitors such as Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Although a tad higher model with a V6 engine at a tad higher price of around $2000 can provide you with a more power-driven performer.

Acceleration

The 4 cylinder engine of the base model takes time to pull the heavy body forward. This is the reason that the base model of the Cherokee has a sluggish acceleration.

Though the base model is not on par with its competitors in terms of acceleration, the higher models with the V6 engine is capable of providing it with a very high and smooth acceleration.

Ride and Handling

The 2017 Cherokee comes with a SELEC-TERRAIN system which operates on different modes such as AUTO, SPORT, SAND/MUD and SNOW depending on the Terrain. This uses the brakes, traction and stability control and engine management to get an optimal grip on the vehicle on all types of roads. Apart from that, the relatively firm suspension controls the body roll in each corner without compromising the quality ride.

Braking

The Braking system of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee is quite rigid. It has a 13.0-inch front brake disc and an 11 inch rear brake disc. These help the driver to smoothly bring the vehicle to a halt with ease even in emergency situations.

The Jeep Cherokee comes to a halt from 60mph in 118 ft. So when compared to its competitors, it has an average braking system.

Towing Capacity

The towing capacity of 4500lbs is one of the prominent capabilities of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. In fact, this sets up a very high parameter for its competitors. So now if you are planning for camping or visiting the beach for water sports over the weekends, you can easily hook up your Jeep to your trailer or camper.

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee has a subpar Fuel Economy. It gives an average mileage of 25 MPG, i.e., 21MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. This becomes a reason to reconsider this SUV for many customers.

When compared to its competitors, the Cherokee offers a little less fuel economy. But it is still better than the Volkswagen Tiguan which has an average of 22MPG.

“Too many odd sheet-metal choices make the Jeep Cherokee's lovely interior a moot point.”- The Car Connection

Seating and Comfort

The Interiors of 2017 Jeep Cherokee comes out from the line of award-winning interiors. This 5 seater has a spacious and stylish cockpit. Its seats are made adjustable up to 6 modes that make the commuters feel comfortable on every road. Also, the spacious foot space and a fair head room adds an extra comfort to the ride.

Infotainment System

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with UConnect infotainment system. It has been rated amongst the top infotainment systems in the world. It comes along with 8.4-inch touch screen with well-organized menus and quick responses. Apart from that it also has many features such as voice command controls, satellite navigation, and steering wheel controls.

Interior Features

• Stylish Dash Board
• UConnect Infotainment system
• Intelligent seat adjustability according to driving modes

Cargo volume

Though the Cherokee offers a spacious cockpit, it lags in terms of cargo space. This compact SUV can be rated below average in terms of cargo space amongst its competitors. This might become another point of reconsideration for the customers.

“The Cherokee’s front lighting setup is distinctive, and the famous seven-slotted grille instantly identifies it as a Jeep, but the rest of the Cherokee’s overall appearance isn’t wild compared with others of its ilk.”- Car and Driver

When it comes to the looks, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee stands out for its non-aggressive look amongst other Jeep SUV models. Its steeper hood and narrowly curved headlights make it look much of a Practical SUV than an aggressive beast. Although the seven-slot grille in the front represents the Jeep inside it.

Exterior Dimensions

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee stretches to 182 inches in length, 73.2 inches in width and 65.7 inches in height. These dimensions makes it look like a Highlander SUV . These extruding dimensions along with an impressive ground clearance is what makes it a better off-roading companions.

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with some of the best safety features in the industry. The features that are going to keep you safe during your ride are as follows:

• Smart Brake Support Forward Collision and Rear Cross Traffic Alert Rear Collision
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Back-Up Camera
• Blind Spot Monitoring Blind Spot Sensor
• Emergency SOS

Jeep Cherokee vs Mazda CX-5

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is no competition to Mazda CX-5 in terms of performance and acceleration. Even the fuel economy and cargo space are comparatively low. However, when it comes to braking and handling, the Cherokee has an upper hand due to its easy adjustability to diverse Terrains. On the other hand, it’s towing capacity is a better than that of Mazda CX-5. Though the cargo space is less, the spacious interior seating can be considered an added advantage. 

Jeep Cherokee vs Honda CV-R

The Honda CR-V has a superior acceleration and fuel economy when compared to the Cherokee. It also has a much spacious interior and cargo space. However, both of them stand on par when it comes to their engines’ power and braking. The only advantage that the Cherokee has over CV-R is the towing capacity.

Jeep Cherokee vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The only advantage that the Tiguan has over the Cherokee is its powerful engine and acceleration. The Cherokee is more fuel efficient and easily handled when compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan. Also, it has the more towing capacity. However, the interior and cargo space are on par with each other.

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is a compact crossover with perfect qualities required for Off-roading. However, it is only advantageous if you prefer to choose the higher trims with the V6 engine to get a higher power-driven performance.

However, if you want to buy an SUV for a day to day drive in the city. So you are planning to settle for the base models with the 4 cylinder engine. We suggest you to first take a look at its competitors in the class also, as there are better options available.