Lusting after a Grand Cherokee, Wrangler or new Gladiator pickup but can’t quite afford the monthly payment on one of these iconic Jeeps? Well, the legendary off-road brand has plenty of other products in its portfolio that provide unmistakable style, ample capability and all the versatility you’d expect in a modern utility vehicle.
And one rung on the Jeep ladder is Cherokee, a midsize sport-utility vehicle that slots nicely between the smaller Renegade and Compass models and the big-boy Jeeps mentioned above.
When the current-generation of this off-roader launched around model-year 2014, it proved to be quite controversial. With its narrow, slit-like lamps and busy front end, the vehicle’s design likely turned as many drivers off as it did lovers of weirdness into paying customers.
Fortunately, the Cherokee was heavily refreshed for model-year 2019. This revamp gave it more tasteful exterior styling, interior enhancements, extra technology and a new powertrain option, among other tweaks.
Providing a refined on-road ride, the Cherokee is fitted with four-wheel independent suspension including MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Efficient electrically boosted power steering gives the vehicle reasonable nimbleness and a turning radius of as little as 37 feet for front-drive models; four-wheel-drive variants need 38 to accomplish the same feat.
For unexpected off-road capability, three different four-wheel-drive systems are offered. Jeep Active Drive I offers four-corner traction at an attractive price. Stepping up from there, Active Drive II throws a two-speed transfer case into the mix for enhanced capability. Finally, Active Drive Lock builds on the capability of Active Drive II by including a locking rear differential for greatly improved traction in severe conditions.
Waving the flag, Jeep’s Cherokee is manufactured in the good, ol’ U.S. of A, specifically in Belvidere, Illinois. This facility has been home to many important Chrysler nameplates, products like the Neon and, more recently, the Dodge Dart compact car.