![]() As you'd expect from a Jeep, the Cherokee drives with heftiness and solidity, making it feel larger than its rivals. While we've yet to test either powertrain, its rowdy 2.0-liter is a single horsepower shy of the V-6 offered in last year’s Cherokee. Both pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive. The Jeep Cherokee uses a 180-hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine for Altitude Lux trim, but gets a 270-hp 2.0-liter with 295 pound-feet of torque for its off-roady Trailhawk offering. The Trailhawk also has nearly an inch of additional ground clearance, more aggressive tires, and a larger infotainment screen. The Trailhawk not only looks tougher but is, thanks to standard Jeep Active Drive Lock, which beefs-up the drivetrain with a locking rear differential and a special traction mode for climbing out of particularly muddy or rocky situations. It’s powerful turbocharged four-cylinder not only has a higher towing capacity, it’s also earned a higher EPA rating than the naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter found in the Altitude Lux. While the Trailhawk model is the most expensive way to own a Cherokee, it’s also the best way. ![]() The Cherokee’s smooth ride and plentiful driver assists aren’t enough to make it very competitive against its newer and more affordable competition, but it does offer credible off-road capability that the others don’t-along with one of the strongest brand names in the SUV market. The new 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, offered exclusively for Trailhawk, replaces the defunct V-6 and gets a better fuel economy rating. Without a barebones base-level trim, the Cherokee’s starting price is now wildly more expensive than competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Kia Sportage, but Jeep at least makes up for some of that with standard niceties. All-wheel drive is standard for this year across Altitude Lux and Trailhawk offerings. As Jeep prepares to move past the aging Cherokee, it's left with two trim levels and a fresh powertrain. While 2023 marks the last year of the Cherokee’s current KL generation, the newest old Cherokee gets some fresh equipment under its aged sheet metal. That’s Social Security-eligible in car years. If the Cherokee’s friendly fascia looks familiar that’s because Jeep’s compact crossover hasn’t changed much since it debuted in 2014.
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