2022 Jeep Cherokee

By New Car Test Drive June 9, 2022

With its compact dimensions and palatable price tag, the Jeep Cherokee brings five-seat crossover capability to a hallmark SUV name.

This year’s update is the addition of a new X trim level that pairs all-wheel drive with a raised suspension, off-road shocks, and a few convenience features. An 8.4-inch touchscreen for infotainment now comes standard across the lineup.

Last year’s base 4-cylinder and lower trim levels also bite the dust, at least for now. Instead, Jeep offers a choice between 2.0-liter turbo-4 and 3.2-liter V-6 grunt, powering either the front or all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both engines boast upward of 270 hp, easily besting typical rivals.

Big power does mean big fuel consumption, at least against a frugal competitive set. The turbo-4 is the thriftiest at 21 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined with all-wheel drive, or 2 mpg better across the board with front-drive. V-6 versions rate 20/29/23 mpg with FWD and 19/27/22 mpg with AWD, while the Trailhawk with its high-riding suspension and unique gearing slides to just 18/24/21 mpg.

Standard automatic emergency braking can be complemented by driver-assist systems including blind-spot monitors, active lane control, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality on top trims, and parking sensors.

It scored a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA but mostly “Good” in IIHS testing.

Model Lineup

The Cherokee comes in four trim levels, starting at about $35,600 for the X and the Latitude Lux

The Cherokee X comes only with all-wheel drive, plus a higher-riding suspension and heated seats and steering wheel. Its only options include packages with a sunroof, upgraded Alpine-branded audio, and trailer towing equipment.

In contrast, the Latitude Lux is offered with front-wheel drive at the same price, but it swaps in leather seats with power adjustment up front. A sunroof and Alpine speakers are optional, as is the turbo-4 engine.

For another $3,000 or so, the Cherokee Trailhawk – all-wheel-drive only – tosses in extra drive modes, chunkier tires, and a few other off-roady bits. It’s also available with adaptive cruise control, a power liftgate, leather trim, and a few other items mostly grouped in option packages.

At just over $40,000 with standard all-wheel drive, the Limited tops the lineup this year. It’s more or less outfitted like a loaded-up Latitude Lux, but it’s also the gateway to even more features including cooled seats and navigation.

All in, Jeep will charge you about $44,000 for a Cherokee Limited with every box ticked.

Exterior

Once controversial, now somewhat familiar, the Cherokee wears organic, curvy lines mixed with Jeep cues such as the seven-slot grille and chunky wheel arches.

This year’s new X trim level has a tougher look without going as far in that direction as the decidedly rugged Trailhawk. Other versions wear big wheels wrapped in low-profile, street-oriented tires, so their intentions are clear from the get go.

Interior

With comfortable seating for five passengers, the Cherokee has a classy look now that the 8.4-inch touchscreen that was previously optional has been made standard fare across the lineup. Cloth and vinyl seats come standard on the X and Trailhawk versions, while other models have full leather upholstery.

The front seats offer good support and rear-seat riders will find a decent 40 inches or so of leg room on a bench that’s adjustable fore and aft.

Cargo space tops out around 55 cubic feet with the rear seatback folded down, or a little under half that with it upright.

Driving Impressions

Down to its two more powerful engine choices now that last year’s inline-4 sits on the sidelines, the Cherokee offers great acceleration especially against its rivals.

The optional turbo-4 provides the most thrilling go thanks to its stronger torque band. The V-6 is smooth and predictable, plus it’s cheaper to buy in the first place. On all, the 9-speed automatic transmission can occasionally fumble a pass through the gears but generally behaves quietly in the background.

When it comes to towing, the V-6 is the champ with its 4,500-pound rating, while the turbo-4 checks in at 4,000 pounds.

Most versions come standard with all-wheel drive, though a front-drive Latitude Lux is available for Sun Belters. Trailhawks swap in an electronically locking rear differential and a host of modes for slippery terrain. They also have a neutral mode for flat-towing behind an RV.

This year’s new Cherokee X has a few off-road modes, too.

For drivers more interested in pavement pounding, the Cherokee delivers a comfortable, composed ride and its steering offers good heft for winding road driving.

Final Word

This year’s model shift takes the 2022 Jeep Cherokee comfortably upmarket, which is where this refined SUV probably belonged in the first place. Grab the Cherokee X for its appealing combination of utility and value pricing.

 

–by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection