2023 Jeep Cherokee Review, Pricing, and Specs

While the Trailhawk model is the most expensive way to own a Cherokee, it’s also the best way. It’s powerful turbocharged four-cylinder not only has a higher towing capacity, it also earns a higher EPA rating than the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter found in the Altitude Lux. The Trailhawk not only looks tougher but also, thanks to the standard Jeep Active Drive Lock, which enhances the drive with a locking rear differential and a special grip mode for climbing out of muddy or rocky situations. The Trailhawk also has nearly an inch of extra ground clearance, more aggressive tires and a larger infotainment screen.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

The Jeep Cherokee uses a 180-hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine for the Altitude Lux trim, but gets a 270-hp 2.0-liter with 295 pound-feet of torque for its off-road Trailhawk offering. Both are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive. While we’ve yet to test either powertrain, its stout 2.0-liter is one horsepower shy of the V-6 offered in last year’s Cherokee. As you’d expect from a Jeep, the Cherokee drives briskly and solidly, making it bigger than its rivals. Relatively firm suspension tuning controls body roll in corners without compromising ride quality. Impact is absorbed without much excessive hum, and the Jeep never feels like it’s floating on the highway. We wish the steering gave more feedback from the road, but it’s well weighted and precise. A firm-feeling brake pedal produces composure in panic braking scenarios, and the Cherokee’s 70-mph-to-zero emergency braking performance is average for its class.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The maximum towing capacity for the 2023 Jeep Cherokee is 4000 pounds for the Trailhawk model with the optional Trailer Towing Group equipment package. This is 500 pounds less than last year’s Cherokee whose V-6 powertrain had a slight trailer advantage. It’s still a big advantage over its rivals like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan. In fact, the Cherokee compact crossover has a higher tow rating than large SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Edge.

Real World Fuel Economy and MPG

The Cherokee has among the worst fuel economy in its compact crossover-and-SUV segment, according to EPA. The most fuel-efficient version is equipped with a 180-hp 2.4-liter inline-four; it gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 highway. The Trailhawk’s more powerful 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is rated poorly, at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. That’s 2 mpg better, for EPA city and highway, than the previously offered V-6-powered Trailhawk from last year. We are not yet subject to any version our 75-mph fuel economy route. For more information on Cherokee fuel economy, visit the website EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

With supportive seats and easy-to-use controls, the Cherokee’s cabin is comfortable. However, since the Cherokee is larger on the outside than most of its competitors, we expect it to feel more spacious on the inside. Small windows and high window sills contribute to the feeling of confinement. The Cherokee’s cargo area is smaller than most vehicles of this size, and interior cubby storage is modest. It’s more difficult to load items into the back than some of its competitors due to the Jeep’s high lift-over height. In addition, the cargo area is much smaller than the main competitors such as Ford Escape (34 cubes) and Honda CR-V (39).

Infotainment and Connectivity

Jeep’s available Uconnect infotainment system is among the best in the business, with well-organized menus and ample features. The standard touchscreen measures 8.4 inches. Starting on the Latitude Plus trim, each model adds two USB ports to the rear of the center console for use by rear-seat passengers. Every Cherokee has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is available.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Jeep now provides a variety of standards driver assistance technology as well as some optional help. For more information on Cherokee crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
• Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Cherokee warranty coverage is average for its class. Competitors like Kia Sportage and also Hyundai Tucson is the only competitor to offer a longer powertrain warranty. However, all models come with three years free maintenance.

• The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Three years of free maintenance included

More Features and Specifications