2022 Jeep Cherokee
When we think of Jeep, we immediately think of the iconic Wrangler. A vehicle that originally seen action in World War II and has trademarked the brand name for over eight decades.
However, Jeep is more than just the iconic off-road legend. There is a line of Jeeps that range from the small Renegade to the larger-than-life Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Somewhere in-between is a right-sized SUV that can seat five and can still fulfill your want of adventure.
The 2022 Jeep Cherokee is a vehicle designed to take on the brand’s heritage with a modern look. Based on a platform provided by Fiat, the front-drive biased SUV was engineered for off-road duty, when equipped with all-wheel drive.
The design had some Jeep fans questioning its credentials. While it wears the brand’s seven-slot grille, a mid-cycle refresh for 2019 cleaned up the headlamp arrangement and the front fascia. The profile is softer than you would find in a Jeep, but it is handsome all the same. The same mid-cycle refresh moved the license plate to the tailgate, finishing off this improved look.
Our tester was the tamer version of the Cherokee, called the Latitude Lux. It came with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels and nice chrome trim in several areas.
The Latitude Lux also came with Nappa Leather seating. The seats were supportive and never provided any fatigue along the way. There’s plenty of room inside, including the cargo hold. Maximum cargo space is measured out to 54.7 cubic feet.
The Cherokee’s instrument cluster has good sightlines for most drivers. That included two large analog dials with a center digital information screen. Our tester had a smaller UConnect offering smartphone integration through a USB-A connection. The heating and air conditioning system, along with heated seats and steering wheel kept us warm through winter testing.
Overall, controls are good to the touch and logical. Especially on the center console with the Active Drive system, giving you four drive modes to choose from for better traction on select surfaces.
Our tester was powered by a 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine, driving all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Power was sufficient, but not exactly quick. It did a very good job on getting through winter obstacles, especially using the 4X4 system’s Snow mode. In turn, we were able to get a decent fuel consumption average – averaging 26.1 MPG.
Ride quality was decent, but some road surfaces exposed some flaws in the dampening. It handled pretty well, keeping the Cherokee under control through some tight maneuvers. The steering system was also tight with good on-center feel. The brake pedal felt good, and wheel response was fine. The Cherokee did well in various stopping scenarios.
Pricing for the 2022 Jeep Cherokee starts from $34,895 for a Latitude Lux with front-wheel drive. There are four Cherokee trim levels available, including the highly capable Trailhawk model. Out 4X4 Latitude Lux tester came with a. sticker price of $37,990.
The Jeep Cherokee was a strong seller up until a few years ago. Partly due to increased competition in its space. Competitors include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Venza, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer, GMC Terrain, Ford Escape and Edge, Nissan Rogue and Murano, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
There is something to consider before looking at the Jeep Cherokee. Stellantis announced that it will shut down the plant where it is assembled in Belvidere, Illinois. Rumors have it that the Cherokee may end up no longer in production.
This may be an incentive to find one, if available. After all, this is a very decent vehicle with a capable all-wheel drive system that is ready to tackle any weather.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
