Flash Drive

2017 Jeep Cherokee

April 10, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4×4

The 2017 Jeep® Cherokee Latitude has narrow, modern headlights, but it’s still recognizable as a Jeep.

Engine: 3.2-liter V-6, 271 horsepower 239 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined

Base Price: $27,545

As Tested: 34,475

Performance:

Smooth highway ride

Outstanding off-road capabilities

Very sophisticated 4×4 system

Excellent acceleration, strong engine

Smooth, efficient transmission

Slick, Selec-Terrain control knob on center console

Modes: auto, snow, sport, sand/mud

Smooth auto stop/start economy feature

All Jeep Cherokee models are designed Jeep tough, which means they are mechanically and technically as tough as any SUV on the market.

Blind spot monitor

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver legroom

Super stretch-out front passenger legroom

Comfortable cloth upholstery

Driver power lumbar support

Front passenger seat height pump

Very good headroom

Thick, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls on steering wheel

Two-temp heated front seats

Good back seat room for outboard positions

Center position not for adults

Tall floor hump

Utility:

Hidden storage bin under front passenger seat

All 2017 Jeep Cherokee models have extremely spacious, comfortable front seats. The steering wheels and related functions are first class.

Great sound systems controls on back side of steering wheel

Small front door storage bins

Two-part console bin

Deep, locking glovebox

Sunglasses holder

Large, sliding visors

Four grab handles

Sizable bin on top of dashboard

One small seatback pouch

Split folding seats are almost flat

Handy panels fill gaps between seats and cargo area

Welcome extra storage under cargo deck

Cargo loops

Rack with hooks on left side of cargo area

Sturdy cargo net

Power tailgate with good clearance

Good backup camera

WOW Factors:

Neat, hidden storage bin under front passenger seat

The 2017 Jeep® Cherokee Latitude is equally proficient on paved roads as it is on dirt. It’s an excellent traveling vehicle.

Very roomy front row seating

Excellent cargo capacity and versatility

Outstanding off-road manners

Strong value

Whines:

Front-end styling veers from traditional Jeep look

Overly long reach to back of glovebox

Heated seats only controllable on touch screen

Bottom Line:

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4×4 is a value member of the Cherokee family offering impressive highway and off-road performance along with a spacious, comfortable interior, ample flexible cargo capacity and decent fuel economy at a very competitive price.