Jeep Cherokee SUV

Jeep Cherokee SUV
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Full 2014 Jeep Cherokee Review

What's New for 2014

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is an all-new model.

Introduction

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee marks the return of a classic Jeep nameplate. Previous Jeep Cherokees were no-frills off-road vehicles that provided little more than basic transportation when you got them on the pavement. The 2014 Cherokee is wholly different. It's a small crossover SUV. And while it still has a fair amount of all-terrain ability, this new Jeep is more remarkable for its spacious and attractively furnished cabin, pleasant ride and smooth V6 engine.

Although the 2014 Cherokee has about the same footprint as the Dodge Dart sedan (with which it shares its basic platform architecture), it feels far roomier on the inside and has one of the most accommodating rear seats of any compact crossover in this price range. The downside is that prioritizing passenger space has resulted in a lower maximum cargo volume: With its rear seats folded, the Jeep has 10-15 fewer cubic feet than most competitors.

So it won't haul as many packages of toilet paper, but the Jeep Cherokee has something most rival SUVs don't: an optional V6 engine. Based on the powerful Pentastar six-cylinder used in the Grand Cherokee, this 3.2-liter V6 engine makes an impressive 271 horsepower and delivers that power in a smooth, refined manner via an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission. The nine-speed automatic is also included with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. On paper, the four-cylinder makes competitive power for this class, but the Cherokee is heavier than most rivals, so real-world acceleration is sluggish.

Both engines are available with front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. Jeep is actually offers two 4WD systems. Active Drive I is your basic light-duty 4WD system (basically what most shoppers think of as all-wheel drive), and it's just fine if you merely need a little extra traction in winter snowstorms. Next up is Active Drive II, which adds low-range gearing and is aimed at Cherokee buyers expecting to venture farther off the beaten path.