Jeep Cherokee All-New for 2014

This year marks the return of the classic Jeep Cherokee nameplate. Retired in 2001, the Cherokee was the dominant yuppie-soccer moms’ SUV of choice in the late 1980s and early ’90s. The all-new Cherokee is totally different. It boasts a pretty fair amount of all-terrain capability for a small crossover SUV, and since it shares the same basic platform architecture as the Dodge Dart sedan, it has about the same footprint. However, the new Cherokee is more about its large, attractively furnished cabin, pleasant ride and smooth V6 powerplant than it is about off-roading.

Replacing the long-in-the-tooth Jeep Liberty, the 2014 Cherokee delivers not only sleek new styling similar to the upscale Grand Cherokee, but greatly improved fuel economy, car-like on-road dynamics and a collection of advanced technology features as well.

Model Lineup: The 2014 Cherokee comes in four models — Sport, Latitude, Limited and the trail rated Trailhawk.

A choice is offered of front-wheel drive (not rear-wheel drive) or one of three available four-wheel-drive systems, all with an automatic rear-axle disconnect that improves fuel efficiency when 4-by-4 capability isn’t utilized. Each system features Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction control system with five settings (Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock) for maximum on — and off-road performance — but only the Trailhawk has hill-descent control.

• Jeep Active Drive I uses a fully automatic, single power transfer unit (PTU) that effortlessly switches in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed and handles yaw (skid) corrections when needed.
• Jeep Active Drive II features a two-speed PTU with torque management and a low range for severe off-road conditions and enhanced climbing. Cherokees with Active Drive II are 1 inch higher in ride height.
• Jeep Active Drive Lock, standard on Trailhawk models, adds a locking rear differential.

Our test vehicle was the 4-by-4 Limited with the Active Drive I system.

Standard equipment on the Sport includes 17-inch steel wheels; air-conditioning; power accessories; keyless remote entry; tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat; Bluetooth phone and audio; and a six-speaker audio system with a 5-inch touchscreen interface, USB/iPod integration, an auxiliary audio input and an SD card reader. Options include a cold weather group package with a wiper de-icer and heating for the front seats, steering wheel and mirrors. Alloy wheels, a rearview camera, satellite radio and a CD player are available as stand-alone options.

The Latitude adds alloy wheels, body-color door handles and mirrors, privacy-tinted glass, roof rails, foglights, LED interior lighting, folding front passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, vinyl trim on the door panels and a 115-volt electrical outlet. In addition, Latitude models also come with a wider range of options, including a V6 engine, dual (front-open, rear-fixed) sunroofs, upgraded nine-speaker audio system and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with smartphone app integration. The comfort/convenience package bundles a power liftgate, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a rearview camera, satellite radio, remote start and a cargo cover and net.

The off-road-themed Trailhawk only comes in 4WD, and features slightly wider 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires; special suspension tuning makes it more capable off-road. There’s a rear locking differential, functional skid plates and tow hooks, unique fascia trim and side moldings, upgraded instrumentation, the 8.4-inch touchscreen and Sirius/XM satellite radio. Leather upholstery and a navigation system, along with an upgraded audio system and comfort/convenience package are optional on the Trailhawk. It also features a panoramic sunroof that opens over the rear seat.

The technology package includes automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, forward collision and lane departure warning and mitigation systems, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems and an automated parallel and perpendicular parking system. Active drive lock and trail-rated hardware make it perhaps the most capable midsize SUV on the market.

The Limited eliminates the Trailhawk’s off-road equipment but includes all the same interior electronics. It also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery, rearview camera and a cargo cover. Options are the same as on the Trailhawk, except that the Luxury Group takes the place of the comfort/convenience package. In addition to a power liftgate, this option group includes xenon headlights, premium leather upholstery and ventilated front seats.

Walkaround: The Cherokee offers a totally new exterior design that marketeers say will move Jeep into the next era with a shape that is efficient without losing Jeep DNA or design heritage. The front fascia is perhaps the most noticeable change. While Jeep’s signature seven-slot grill remains, it has been brought to a point, and isn’t flat anymore.

The sleek exterior lines showcase what Jeep engineers call a wind-splitting upper body, while the rugged, protective lower body conveys the characteristics of every Jeep. It has a muscular stance, with forceful wheel-to-body proportions resulting in aggressive approach and departure angles.

The one-piece waterfall hood and grill assembly is clearly defined and separated from the front fenders. Advanced LED lighting technology is used extensively, including a forward lighting design featuring a unique daytime running lamp shape that gives the impression of a slim headlamp.

Contemporary, full LED tail lamps are an integral part of the rear design connection between the upper and lower body, and results in a unique presence specific to the Cherokee.

The trail-rated 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model features rugged design that integrates functional differences such as Jeep signature red front tow hooks and skid plates underneath.

Interior: Cherokee’s comfortable, roomy, all-new cabin features premium materials and extensive technology. Ergonomically designed seats in premium cloth are available in Nappa leather as well. The 60/40-split second-row seats adjust for passenger and cargo flexibility. Two industry-exclusive open-air options are offered — a new CommandView panoramic sunroof or a Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof.

Our test model featured the optional 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia command center and Uconnect system, which allows control of audio, climate and more from the touchscreen, with voice commands and some — but not all — redundant controls on the center stack. It includes Bluetooth, SiriusXM Radio, navigation, music, apps (Pandora, Aha, iHeart Radio and more), voice-to-text messaging and streaming audio.

Our test vehicle was also equipped with the available option package that bundles forward collision, lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems with automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control and an automated parallel and perpendicular parking system. Yes, the Cherokee is the first Jeep that will park itself — a highly unusual feature in this class.

Under the Hood: The 2014 Cherokee hit showrooms with a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and a choice of two new engines — a 16-valve, 2.4-liter four-cylinder that puts 184 horses to the highway with 171 pound-feet of torque is standard.

Our test vehicle had the optional 3.2-liter V6, a variation of Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 that delivers 271 ponies with 239 pound-feet of torque, plus the best-in-class V6 towing capability of 4,500 pounds. It’s EPA-rated at 19/city and 27/highway for a combined rating of 22 mpg.

Behind the Wheel: The Cherokee is a nice vehicle to drive. It’s comfortable, handles well, has good road manners — although it feels a little soft and heavy in some turns depending on speed — and offers strong braking.

Electronic power steering is precise, delivering both fuel efficiency and maneuverability with a turn radius of around 36 feet on front-wheel drive models, 38 feet on four-wheel drive models and 39 on Trailhawks. However, steering isn’t as sporty as from some competitors.

We really liked the new V6 powerplant — it gives the Cherokee a relaxed, refined demeanor not found in four-banger SUVs. There’s plenty of power, decent acceleration when needed, and the new nine-speed automatic delivers smooth upshifts.

Whines: We found the technology to be a bit over-engineered. For example, it takes three operations to get to the screen to change the radio station. The 2014 Cherokee is roomy inside, with one of the most accommodating rear seats of any compact crossover, but prioritizing passenger space meant a lower maximum cargo volume — 54.9 cubic feet, which is 10-15 cubic feet less than most competitors.

Bottom Line: There is no doubt the Jeep 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a very well-engineered vehicle that offers great comfort and performance. It’s a solid choice in this market segment, offering a lot for families, in that it’s roomy, adaptable to many uses, comfortable and capable. With a base price of $29,995 and $37,030 as tested (which meant pretty much fully loaded), it’s not particularly overpriced and should hold its resale value as well.