Jeep Cherokee (KL, 5th generation): used car test

This is him: As a 4.60-meter mid-size car, the Cherokee competes against various strong European and Asian competitors. Depending on the engine, it has Active Drive all-wheel drive or conventional front-wheel drive. This may be a small dent in the image, but does not have to be a major practical mistake. Because in fact the Cherokee competed with middle-class SUV models and premium representatives of southern German brands.

The space in rows one and two is comfortable, as is typical for the class, and both rows have very comfortable seats on thick cushions. The luggage compartment, which is quite small compared to the factory specifications, with its uncomfortably high loading sill is less convincing.

Including extras, our photo vehicle cost 48,000 euros new. After four years, it is a whopping 30,000 euros less!

Image: Tom Salt/AUTO BNILD

He has this: A comfortable and at the same time pleasantly robust character. The different equipment lines have a significant impact on the well-being on board the Cherokee. The Sport and Longitude versions are more plastic-heavy and brittle and accordingly cheap. Following the American cliché, the Limited we drove is well equipped with nappa leather.

The spearheads are the Overland, which is equipped with extra luxury, and the particularly robust Trailhawk variant. The latter feels amazingly comfortable even in rough terrain. It offers the highest level of the Active Drive all-wheel drive system with off-road programs, off-road reduction and mechanical rear axle lock.

Driver’s seat with plenty of classic buttons. The quality varies between classy and frighteningly simple.

Image: Tom Salt/AUTO BNILD

Is the price premium worth it for a late model? Absolutely! In 2019, the Cherokee became noticeably more modern. In addition to a front with LED headlights, the Euro 6d-Temp diesel with 150 or 194 hp that we drove is also worth mentioning. New assistants made the American safer: adaptive cruise control, lane and emergency braking assistant as well as a cross-traffic warning system and a new rear view camera were useful updates in combination with the new uConnect infotainment system.

This is how he drives: Anyone seriously considering a Cherokee should abandon any overly ambitious ideas about the workmanship and chassis early on. Neither the chassis nor the steering nor the manufacturing quality can compete with the European top dogs. However, apart from the 140 hp diesel, the power reserves are adequate. The Cherokee is a well-balanced American dream that doesn’t look ridiculous even in front of German suburban semi-detached houses. If you have serious off-road ambitions, you should consider the Trailhawk variant.

The Cherokee’s handling seems rather spongy. The high weight is clearly noticeable.

Image: Tom Salt/AUTO BNILD

This causes trouble: A four-year new car warranty (from 7/2015) and a two-year paintwork warranty are decent. The seven-year rust protection warranty is mediocre, however. Be careful of vehicles that have been abused off-road. Electronic problems particularly affect the electric parking brake, the instrument cluster, the infotainment system and the power steering. The automatic transmissions often shift unpleasantly hard and are prone to major damage. The 2.4-liter engine sometimes has problems with oil consumption. Leaking radiators and coolant thermostats are also an issue.

The Jeep Cherokee is an interesting affordable SUV model with character. The four-wheel drive versions are surprisingly capable off-road. Maintenance is comparatively expensive.