Reinventing the Wheel

Reinventing an image can be just as hard for cars as it is for people. The Jeep® Cherokee is one of the most popular SUVs of all time, beloved for its off-road capability, durability, and simplicity. So when Jeep decided to completely reimagine the Cherokee as a modern crossover, one can understand why there was some grumbling from fans. 

Entering its second year with the new design, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee manages to balance everyone’s expectations though. It has the off-road ability fans are looking for, but with the refinement and versatility of a competent family car. It’s just as useful in suburbia as it is in the wilderness.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee is available with two powertrains and three four-wheel drive systems, offering exactly the right mix of capability, efficiency, and on-road manners for virtually any buyer.

Starting with the engines, option one is the 2.4-liter “Tigershark” four-cylinder engine shared with the Dodge Dart and other models in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sphere. It produces 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. All Cherokee models use a nine-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive.

With front-wheel drive, the Tigershark gets an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway)*, while four-wheel drive models get 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway)*

For some added oomph, there’s also a 3.2-liter “Pentastar” V6, with 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. The Pentastar gets a start-stop system for 2015, allowing it to achieve an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive,* and 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with four-wheel drive.*

This being a Jeep, the hardware that gets the power to the ground is as impressive as the hardware that makes it. Jeep offers multiple four-wheel drive systems that match capability to need. The basic Active Drive I system automatically shifts between two- and four-wheel drive without any intervention from the driver, making it perfect for unpredictable weather conditions.

For drivers looking to venture away from the pavement, the Active Drive II system includes a low range and crawl ratio for better traction off-road. Note that it also comes with a slight fuel-economy penalty, bringing ratings down to 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway) with the Tigershark four-cylinder,* and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with the Pentastar V6.*

The Active Drive Lock system includes all of the features of Active Drive II, as well as a locking rear differential for maximum traction in severe conditions. All Cherokee four-wheel drive systems also include Selec-Terrain, which adjusts the traction control and other vehicle parameters for different conditions. There’s also Selec-Speed Control hill descent and ascent control.

Buyers with a serious interest in off-roading will want to consider the Cherokee Trailhawk, which boasts the Active Drive Lock system standard, plus redesigned bodywork that allows for better approach and departure angles, skid plates, and other modifications that make it perform exactly as its name suggests. The Trailhawk gets an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with the four-cylinder engine,* and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with the V6.*

Features and Trims

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee is a five-door, five-seat midsize crossover utility vehicle. It’s available in four trim levels, with prices starting at $23,095.**

The base Cherokee Sport comes standard with features like LED daytime running lights and taillights, a power-locking fuel filler door, a 5.0-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, SD card slot, and 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat.

The model in the hierarchy is the Cherokee Latitude, which incorporates all of the applicable standard features from the Cherokee Sport, and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, a fold-flat front passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, ambient LED lighting, and more.

Next up is the Cherokee Altitude, which includes the standard equipment from the other two models, plus a few more features like 18-inch wheels. The top Cherokee model is the Trailhawk, which includes the aforementioned off-road features, plus the top version of Chrysler’s Connect infotainment with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, and premium seating surfaces.

Design

Take one look at the exterior of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee, and it’s clear that this crossover is a radical departure from previous Jeeps. While the Cherokee still has a loyal following, Jeep decided not to live in the past when it revived the model for 2014.

So instead of the boxy, utilitarian styling of the last Cherokee, the current model features a dynamic shape with an aggressive nose, sleek headlights and LED daytime running lights, and muscular fender flares.

The new look is both stylish and functional, giving the Cherokee maximum approach and departure angles of 29.8 degrees and 32.1 degrees, respectively, and a breakover angle of 23.3 degrees. Ground clearance is an equally impressive 8.7 degrees.

The interior is a major departure from the spartan boxes of Jeeps past. It’s comfortable, with helpful features like a split-folding rear bench seat and flat-folding front passenger’s seat. Chrysler’s Connect infotainment system remains one of the most user friendly, and the available 8.4-inch touchscreen is one of the biggest around.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Jeep Cherokee includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, electronic roll mitigation, and a full complement of airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera, park-assist system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection. New for 2015 is a forward collision warning system, with automatic braking that can slow the vehicle, or even stop it completely under certain conditions.

Bottom Line

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee is both an off-road warrior and a competent family truckster.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, be sure to contact or visit us at Cutter Automotive Galleries today.

*EPA estimated mpg with 2.4L engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, 4x2. Actual mileage may vary.

**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

Image: Jeep