Overview
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a cut above the average compact crossover with its superior off-road and towing capabilities. Its roots in the legendary Jeep family will be sure to captivate all outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who necessitate a vehicle that can traverse paths beyond where tarmac ends.
Despite its lack of Instagram appeal, the Trailhawk model will turn heads with its enhanced drivetrain and additional special equipment. All Cherokee models come equipped with all-wheel drive for off roading adventures, plus a power V6 or turbocharged 4 cylinder engine to make sure you get where you’re going quickly. However if your plans don’t involve capitalizing on the 2021 Cherokee’s impressive towing capacity, nor leaving pavement ever again then look elsewhere – fuel economy is not great; storage space is limited; and value can be questionable.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The heart of the vehicle is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but it also has an optional 3.2-liter V6 and more powerful turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder available for those who want something extra from their ride! This powerhouse produces 270 horses with 295 lb ft torque (56lb ft above what you get from the V6). Though we haven’t tested this turbo yet on any tracks, our first drive prooved that it’s worth every penny spent!
In comparison to the V-6, it was difficult to get excited about its lackluster reaction when we applied pressure on the throttle. Furthermore, those driving a four cylinder Cherokee can only tow up to 4000 pounds – which pales in significance compared with the 4500 pound max capacity of one equipped with a V-6 engine.
Driving the Jeep Cherokee is an experience like no other; its off-road abilities and solidity make it feel larger than its competitors. Its car-based construction provides a smooth ride on any road, with firm suspension tuning to keep body roll in control while still allowing for comfortable travel over bumps or dips in the roadway. The Cherokee has just enough heftiness to provide stability without feeling heavy or floaty at high speeds on highways.
The steering provides decent levels of feedback and accuracy, but it is not the most communicative. The brake pedal offers a reassuring firmness when panic-braking scenarios arise, while its 70-mph-to-zero emergency braking performance puts it on par with other vehicles in its class.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Cherokee has one of the poorest fuel economy ratings in its compact-crossover and SUV group, according to both EPA data and our own testing. The most frugal model is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that peaks at 23 mpg city and 31 highway. Although we have yet to run this variant on our 75 mph highway fuel economy test loop, it’s expected mileage should be marginally higher than the V6 model. In fact, when pitted against an Overland from prior years that underwent our standard testing procedures;the latest edition recorded 25 mpg on the highway – marking an impressive 1mpg increase!
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Cherokee’s cabin is comfortable and provides easy-to-use controls with supportive seats. The attractive dashboard, which mimics the more expensive Grand Cherokee’s layout, offers an elevated feel. Unfortunately, despite being larger than many of its competitors on the outside, its interior does not follow suit – small windows coupled with high window sills evoke a sense of confinement rather than spaciousness.
The Jeep Cherokee’s cargo space is limited compared to its competitors, and there isn’t a lot of interior storage room. Furthermore, because the lift-over height is quite high, loading things into it can be more laborious than some of its rivals. It doesn’t help that the cargo area size pales in comparison to other vehicles like the Ford Escape (34 cubes) and Honda CRV (39).
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 Cherokee earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the last version the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated wasn’t named a Top Safety Pick. Jeep now provides an array of standard driver-assistance technology as well as several optional assists.
Is Jeep 2021 Cherokee a good car?
The Jeep Cherokee is an OK compact SUV . It’s one of the most capable off-roading SUVs, it’s available with a potent turbocharged engine, and it comes with a user-friendly infotainment system. However, it lags behind most rivals in terms of cargo space, rear-seat room, and interior quality.
How reliable is the Jeep Cherokee?
We expect the 2022 Cherokee will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2020 and 2021 models.
Is there any recalls on a 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
Jeep is recalling 18,800 Jeep Cherokee SUVs from the 2021 model year because faulty hoses could leak combustible transmission fluid. If the fluid comes in contact with an ignition source, it could cause a fire.