Jeep Cherokee pampers its occupants
The Cherokee nameplate returns to the Jeep lineup and the occasion is marked with celebration, as it continues to win accolades and awards, including the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year from the Automotive Journalists of Canada. This mid-size, five passenger SUV can be configured as a tough off-road adventurer, a luxurious passenger hauler or both! We tested the top of the line Cherokee Limited 4x4 model and it indeed pampers its occupants.
Several Cherokee models are offered, starting with the two-wheel drive Sport at $23,695. Most of the Cherokee lineup is offered in two-wheel drive or fourwheel drive versions with the exception of the Trailhawk model, which only comes as a four-wheel drive. If you choose a four-wheel drive model, you also have a choice of the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine on all models or the optional 3.2-litre V-6 engine. Your choices only start there, as there are three drivelines offered, including the Jeep Active Drive I with a one speed transfer case, the Active Drive II with a two-speed transfer case for low range, and the Jeep Active Drive Lock, with a two-speed transfer case and locking rear differential for maximum off road traction. There are even touring or off-road suspension options and a long list of convenience, comfort and technology features available.
Our Cherokee Limited came equipped with the V-6 engine, Active Drive II powertrain and several option packages including the Technology package, Luxury group, trailer tow package, Command View dual pane sunroof, UConnect 8.4inch colour screen with Nav and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Base price for the Limited model is $32,195 and with the options, the price increased to $43,175. For that money you get features that even most of the prestige and luxury SUVs on the market don’t have.
For example, the $1,795 Technology package includes brake assist, rain sensitive wipers, lane departure warning, auto high beam headlamp control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind spot and cross path detection and parallel and perpendicular park assist. I had the opportunity to try many of these and some proved invaluable. For example, the blind spot and cross path detection system started beeping as I was backing out of a parking spot with large trucks on both sides of me. The system detected another vehicle approaching from the side at a high rate of speed and allowed me to avoid a collision.
The parallel and perpendicular park assist use sensors to locate parking spots and the electric power steering steers the vehicle into the parking spot as you control the vehicle speed. Messages on the dash tell you what to do and I was able to park the Cherokee in some very tight parallel parking spots. The perpendicular park assist backed me into a parking spot in a shopping mall with perfect precision.
The Luxury group included premium leathertrimmed seats with heated and ventilated bucket seats in front and a heated steering wheel. Touch a button at the base of the UConnect screen and all the seat and steering wheel heat controls appear instantly on the touch screen. Memory settings retained the audio, seat and mirror positions for the driver.
The Tow package includes a Class III hitch and up to 4,500-pound towing capacity, while the huge glass Command View sunroof really does provide a fantastic view of the night sky. The wireless charging pad in the centre console is a great feature and holds your phone securely as it connects to the UConnect audio, nav and information system.
I could find very little to complain about with the Cherokee. The seating position is high, so headroom is on the snug side for tall passengers, especially in the rear seats, and I did bump my head a couple times getting in and out of the rear seat, but overall, the Cherokee is very comfortable, has numerous storage compartments for smaller items and a very smooth ride for a SUV.
The V-6 engine is snappy and the nine (yes — nine) speed automatic is smooth as silk. Selecting low range is as simple as pushing a button and the terrain control lets you pick traction control to match the driving surface.
It is easy to see why the Cherokee has won so many awards in its first year back.