2018 Jeep Cherokee
Jeep® has a large selection of vehicles, don’t they? From the modern Jeep Renegade to the track-racing Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, there’s a Jeep vehicle for every kind of consumer. A nice middle ground can be found in the Jeep Cherokee. Going into a new year, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV worth checking out for comfort and off-road glory.
Jeep Active Drive Lock
4×4 System
3.2-liter V6 with ESS
Avail. Engine Type
2,000 pounds
Towing Capacity
Performance
Style
Technology 
Performance
Engine Types
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee lineup is made up of five trims, two drivetrains, and two engine options. Standard on four-of-the-five trims is a front-wheel drivetrain (FWD) with a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, with MultiAir2 hydraulic-powered variable valve timing (VVT) technology, under the hood. That’s a big way of saying this Jeep engine was optimized to perform at its best. The 184-horsepower 2.4L engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, and together the engine and transmission help the Cherokee achieve a fuel economy of 21/28 mpg city/highway.
The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is the only Cherokee model that is only available with a 4×4 drivetrain. Powered by the 3.2-liter V6 engine with VVT and electric start-stop technology (an engine that is optional on all 4×4 Cherokee models), this Jeep is no dune buggy. The 3.2L engine delivers 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque and a best-in-class V6 maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. Also paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the 3.2L engine has an average fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
4×4 Systems
There are three 4×4 systems available on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The standard system on the 4×4 Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Latitude Plus, Cherokee Limited, and Cherokee Overland trims is Jeep Active Drive I. Jeep Active Drive I is a full-time 4×4 system because it is “always engaged” to handle tough driving conditions.
The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has a combination of 4×4 systems. Not only does it have Active Drive I, but it also has Active Drive II that features a low-range mode with a 56:1 crawl ratio for going low-speed traction off-road, and a neutral mode that allows for flat-towing capability – think towing a Jeep behind an RV. The third system that makes up the Cherokee Trailhawk arsenal is Active Drive Lock, and it is capable of all of the above, as well as locking the rear axles into the 4×4 drivetrain for going off-road.
Style
Exterior Features
Being somewhere in the middle, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee has all of the features consumers expect in the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Standard exterior features consist of automatic headlamps, active grille shutters, underbody aerodynamic treatment, and a Jeep cargo management system on the roof. Select trims may also offer heated exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, and have the option to install a CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof. Wheels are either 17- or 18-inches high, and buyers can choose one of up to six colors (trim-pending) to personalize the exterior.
Interior Features
If looking for a little more luxury inside the Jeep Cherokee, then the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Limited will be the right choice, complete with leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. Otherwise, cloth trimmed-seats are the standard. Features found in all trims include a rear 60/40 split-fold seat, rear seat heat ducts, cargo tie-down loops, and a Jeep cargo management system for the interior. Select trims have heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic temperature control. There are four different interior color choices.
Technology
Entertainment
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude, the base trim, comes with a 6-speaker system and a 5-inch touchscreen display. All trims have integrated voice command with Bluetooth, and all trims except the Cherokee Latitude feature an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect. The Jeep Cherokee Overland may upgrade to a 9-amplified speaker system with a subwoofer, also available on the Cherokee Limited. Uconnect 3C with navigation and Uconnect Access can be found on select trims, along with steering wheel mounted controls for audio and a USB charging port in the center console.
Safety Features
In the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, consumers will find many standard features, including – an advanced multistage front airbag system with supplemental airbags all around the cabin, stability and traction control systems, an enhanced accident response system, keyless entry, a ParkView rear backup camera, and a LATCH-ready child seat anchor system. Some advanced and automatic safety features available are blind spot and cross path detection, LaneSense lane departure warning, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and a ParkSense rear park assist system.
Warranty
All Jeep vehicles are covered by a 3-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, roadside assistance for five years or 100,000 miles, and rust-through coverage for five years or 100,000 miles.
