2021 Jeep Cherokee Review

Name: 2021 Jeep Cherokee Review
Brand: Jeep

Price Range: $16,495 - $29,998

Jeep Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+542

The latest Jeep Cherokee ditches its nontraditional styling for a more familial Grand Cherokee Light design. The V6 here is still an option, but there's a hot turbocharged 2.0-liter engine as well. In proper Jeep fashion, the Cherokee remains one of the most capable compact SUVs in the segment.

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2021 Jeep Cherokee Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Available V6 and turbocharged engines provide smooth, assertive power
Suspension smooths out rough surfaces
User-friendly 8.4-inch touchscreen on many models
Trailhawk offers excellent off-road capability for a small SUV

Cons

Sluggish acceleration with the base engine
Less cargo capacity than other small crossovers

What's new

Previously optional advanced safety features are now standard
More standard comfort and convenience features on each trim
New Latitude Lux and related 80th Anniversary editions debut
Part of the second Cherokee generation introduced for 2014

Overview

The Jeep Cherokee is a charming small SUV. Fitted with either one of its optional engines — a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6 — the Cherokee is more fun to drive than you might expect. And, as with its Grand Cherokee sibling, its off-road ability and maximum towing capacity are both excellent for the class.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$141/mo

$172/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Rival SUVs you might want to cross-shop include the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. The Cherokee is a solid option here, with a smooth ride that is good enough for the average commuter, plus rugged chops to satisfy adventurous drivers. That's a tough line to straddle, but the Cherokee pulls it off well enough to earn a decent spot in our rankings. Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth take on the 2021 Cherokee.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Cherokee drive? We're pleasantly surprised by the Cherokee's sporty nature, especially when you consider Jeep's reputation for off-road capability. The steering is nicely weighted and feels direct. It also transmits some of the road texture to the driver. The wheel is well balanced, and there's a good sense of on-center feel. Shifts feels sluggish with the nine-speed automatic, so we'd probably opt for the turbo 2.0-liter engine, which outperforms the V6.

The brake pedal makes it easy and predictable to stop smoothly in everyday driving. Off-roading is above average, too, with multiple trim levels from which to choose that offer varying levels of capability in the dirt.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Cherokee? The Cherokee does a fine job of softening harsh roads but is less adept at controlling the ups and downs of smoother undulating roads. We found the seats to be comfortable, with nice, breathable upholstery, even if they don't provide a lot of lateral support. There's an average amount of road and wind noise, not enough to be distracting, but we wouldn't call it quiet either.

The climate control system maintains temperature well, and the controls are easy to locate and adjust. Some functions such as the seat and steering wheel heaters are located in the touchscreen, requiring an extra step, but pop up immediately when you start the car — a nice touch. The seat heaters get toasty quickly, too.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The high-mounted cabin is easy to climb into and see out of, and there's an ample amount of headroom. The view straight back is free of obstructions, and the generous glass — including the small window at each rear flank — also helps to minimize blind spots. There's also a generous amount of seat height adjustment, which should suit a wide range of driver types. Backseat passengers will appreciate the generous legroom.

This Jeep is not only easy to use, it's also easy to figure out, thanks to a straightforward Uconnect infotainment system and large, easy-to-wield knobs and buttons. However, those who are eyesight-challenged might want to upgrade to the larger 8.4-inch infotainment screen.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and the entry-level infotainment interface is nice, even if the icons are on the small side. The touchscreen menu is pretty straightforward, providing prompts that are helpful in guiding you through the available commands. You can make calls, tune to a radio station, and even set the climate control system through voice commands. There are two USB ports up front and two more for charging in the back, and the upgraded audio system delivers great sound.

Our test car did not have many driver aids, but the alerts (such as blind-spot warning) can be configured to be audible or visual only. Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are only available on higher trims.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? Despite the trunk's small volume dimensions, its layout is clever and useful. The adjustable load floor is handy and liftover height is manageable, but the Cherokee has one of the small trunks in the segment with 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space. There's a good variety of cabin storage options for the items people commonly bring inside.

Child safety seat anchors are clearly marked and accessible between the rear seatback and bottom cushion. Likewise, the rear tethers are easy to access on the back of the seats. For those who tow trailers, an optional tow package increases the Cherokee's capacity to a useful 4,500 pounds.

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Our V6 test vehicle is rated at 22 mpg (19 city/27 highway), which is well below what competitors return. We averaged 20.9 mpg over the course of two weeks, with a best return of 25.2 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation loop. The optional turbo 2.0-liter is not only more efficient but makes more power.

Value

7/10

Is the Cherokee a good value? Our midlevel Cherokee model was missing some interior refinement, but things weren't all bad. The control knobs have soft detents and rubberized knurling that makes for easy adjustment. The hard plastic trim has a ruggedness to it, but it looks a bit cheap compared to what's in segment leaders.

The Cherokee has a three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which matches most rivals. Roadside assistance is covered for five years/60,000 miles, which is better than some rivals. For pure value, segment leaders offer more standard features, but many of the Jeep's add-ons are affordable, and some are not offered by competitors. Ultimately, you're paying more for Jeep capability.

Wildcard

8/10

The Cherokee is much easier on the eyes after Jeep's midcycle refresh for 2019, but its design definitely lost some of its predecessor's boldness. Couple that with the fact that it's one of the most capable off-road vehicles in the class that's also surprisingly fun to drive on-road, and it's a rig we'd be happy to drive daily.

Which Cherokee does Edmunds recommend?

The newly created Latitude Lux trim could be the way to go. It delivers a lot of features that enhance the Cherokee ownership experience, striking a nice balance of comfort, capability and price. With the savings, you can option up to the more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and the Comfort and Convenience package with upgraded technology. If you're planning to venture into any sort of off-roading, however, the Trailhawk is the way to go.

2021 Jeep Cherokee models

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a five-seat small SUV available in five main trim levels: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Latitude Lux, the rugged Trailhawk and the range-topping Limited. You might also see some designations such as Altitude or High Altitude, but these are essentially styling packages that add on to the main trims.

Most Cherokees come with standard front-wheel drive and offer four-wheel drive as an option. The exception is the Trailhawk, which has standard four-wheel drive.

Latitude
The entry-level Latitude trim offers a basic yet comfortable package that comes with:

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque)
Nine-speed automatic transmission
Roof rails
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
17-inch alloy wheels
60/40-split rear seats
7-inch infotainment touchscreen
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system
Selec-Terrain management system (4x4 only)

Standard driver aids include:

Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Cherokee back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

Latitude Plus
Adds more creature comforts such as:

Foglights
Windshield wiper de-icer
Keyless entry and push-button start
Remote start
Heated front seats
Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Satellite radio
Rear USB ports
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Latitude Lux
This new trim level includes:

3.2-liter V6 engine (271 hp and 239 lb-ft) or optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (270 hp and 295 lb-ft)
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat

Trailhawk
Feature-wise, the off-road-oriented Trailhawk is similar to the Latitude Plus. But it does also come with:

V6 engine only
8.4-inch touchscreen
All-terrain tires
Jeep Active Drive Lock with rock mode and locking rear axle

Limited
Most luxurious trim in the Cherokee range boasts:

Standard V6 or optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine
18-inch wheels
Power liftgate
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Driver-seat memory settings
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Nine-speaker premium audio system
Upgraded driver information display
Panoramic sunroof
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Jeep and the car in front, even in heavy traffic)

Many of the extra standard features on the upper trims can be added to the lower trims as options. Other main options include:

Altitude, High Altitude and 80th Anniversary subtrim levels

Add either dark gray or black styling accents and wheels plus a few extra features

Elite package (Limited trim only)

Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Hands-free liftgate
Integrated navigation system

Trailer tow package

Class III receiver hitch
Seven-pin wiring harness
Upgraded engine cooling

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#8 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Jeep Cherokee from 2008-2022.}

$507/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.64x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

11.7%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Jeep Cherokee.

5 (70%)

4 (5%)

3 (6%)

2 (11%)

1 (8%)

4.2

37 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

My new Jeep

bmwcharlie, 02/01/2021

2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 9A)

Time for a new lease as my Tiguan went back. I looked at a new Tiguan, Subaru Outback, Jeep Cherokee and the Volvo X 40. I chose the Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep felt the most substantial by far. I was surprised by the cheap plastic center in the Subaru and the Volvo. The Tiguan was all plastic but for 289.00 a month all in (including all taxes and fees) the Tiguan Se was the least … expensive vehicle I have ever leased. The same equipped Tiguan was 370.00 a month. I really missed the heated steering wheel from my previous BMW so it was a must for my new lease. A Tiguan with a heated steering wheel was 407.00 a month. I set out for a new compact SUV for 350.00 a month. I never thought of leasing a Jeep but in my budget it kept coming up so I test drove it. I knew instantly this would be my next vehicle. I leased a Jeep Cherokee V6 Limited with Elite Pkg. for 381.00 a month including taxes and all fees. This was the most equipped car I ever had. Cooled seats front and back it even can parallel park. I love the remote start which automatically turns on the heated seats and steering wheel. This Jeep is on par with my X3. Which was 500.00 a month a new one 700. a month to lease. Value wise this is the best vehicle you will find. It took months of tracking prices and negotiating for me to get this price. The Jeep ride is great, acceleration is great too. The Volvo was slightly better but the Jeep was pretty close. It rides more like the X3. The info entertainment is easy to use intuitive and fast which really makes for a great driving experience. The Jeep is compact unlike the Tiguan which felt like you had so much space in the cabin. Handling is sharp seats are comfortable. Since it mainly me and one other person most of the time I can live with the snug cabin. I took Delivery at the end of November and have had no problems. Fit and finish is great so I am thinking it should be pretty reliable. Update: I still love my Cherokee. The Adaptive cruise control is amazing. Life changing feature. The stop and go really takes the sting out of heavy traffic. The automatic high beams are amazing. The ride is great it really takes any size pot hole no problem. Well not quite the razor sharp handle of a BMW it’s much more comfortable. The ride, handling, and acceleration strike a great balance. The lane keep assist is the cars big down fall. It’s will pull slightly at the wheel for no reason. Less on the highway than around town. It feels like you hit a piece of ice. I doesn’t bother me as much now but at first it was annoying as hell. I tried to disable it but couldn’t. I just put it on the lowest setting. Hopefully they will use a lane centering on the next update. The car feels so high tech it’s quite unexpected.. I am so glad I got this Jeep. I would have never considered it, if not for the chip shortage. Inventories were starting to get tight and they had the inventory. I got this lease at such a great deal.I am so grateful as prices are skyrocketing on leases. Blown away by the luxury driving experience from a Jeep, Who knew!

Love my Trailhawk Elite

Pony Girl, 10/23/2021

2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A)

I wouldn't trade my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk for anything. It is my commuter car as well as my "farm truck"--it tows my horse trailer and I use it when I need to drag round hay bales out to my horses. Snowy country roads are easy to get through. It's a quiet, comfortable ride. Safe too--my new 2019 Trailhawk was written off following a collision--it took a beating but I walked away …

Love it!

Lp6781, 03/11/2021

2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 9A)

This is my second Jeep Cherokee. I am totally blown away with this SUV. I love the color, the interior, the v6 the features, I could go on and on. I previously had a 4 cylinder and thought that it was way under powered. I recommend everyone I know to test drive a Jeep Cherokee, they will be hooked as I am.

Dissappointed

J Thompson, 02/14/2021

2021 Jeep Cherokee 80th Anniversary Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (3.2L 6cyl 9A)

I purchased the limited edition 80th anniversary Jeep Cherokee because I loved the look, handling and the price was right with factory employee discount. Less than 1500 miles on the vehicle and it's been in twice for service the last two days, today the vehicle won't stay started. I was told last evening that there was a bad relay sensor, which was replaced. This morning the car …

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2021 Jeep Cherokee video

Top 10 Best Compact SUVs | Ranking the Best Small SUVs of 2021

At Edmunds, we are big fans of the compact SUV. With enough room and comfort for passengers and good fuel economy, compact SUVs are a great choice for shoppers looking for an SUV that can do just about anything. In this video, Ryan ZumMallen from Edmunds presents our ranking of the…

2021 Cherokee Highlights

Trim:

Latitude

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$27,210
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$141/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Cherokee models:

Uconnect Access: Automatically connects to 911 in an emergency, tracks the vehicle in case of theft, and sends an email or text alert if the alarm goes off.
Trailer Sway Control: Helps mitigate trailer sway by selectively applying the brakes and reducing power to keep the trailer in line with the car.
Rear Cross Path Detection: Helps prevent collisions by alerting the driver when a vehicle approaches from the side while the Cherokee is in reverse.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover17.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Jeep Cherokee Review

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2021 Jeep Cherokee Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Cherokee does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Jeep Cherokee models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

My new Jeep

Love my Trailhawk Elite

Love it!

Dissappointed

2021 Jeep Cherokee video

Top 10 Best Compact SUVs | Ranking the Best Small SUVs of 2021

2021 Cherokee Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}