Review: 2020 Jeep Cherokee

It's a 4x4, and it's also stylish, yet rugged. It's perhaps hard to put your finger on where the Jeep Cherokee exactly fits in, but maybe it just doesn't want to be put in a box. The Jeep Cherokee is unique, and we like it because of this. Not too big, not too small. Sporty, but comfortable. Futuristic, with a touch of class and with a hint of heritage. It's the combination of all these different aspects that makes the Jeep Cherokee such a clever package.

INITIAL IMPRESSION

With it's quirky design and recognizable nose, the Jeep Cherokee stands out from the crowd. You'll notice right away the split LED headlight design is now standard across the range, in addition to LED tail-lights. The signature seven-pillar slatted grille is undeniably Jeep, just like the 4x4 badge. In true Jeep fashion, there is a Trailhawk version which is very capable off-road, while providing enough space for the whole family.

DRIVEABILITY

Where most 4x4's are not the most comfortable on the tarmac, the Jeep Cherokee is an exception. Steering feel is good and offers ample feedback, while the brake pedal offers a secure feeling. It's not a sports car, but still handles well through corners. The ride matches the SUV profile, with a relaxed ride that could even be qualified as comfortable.​ The nine-speed automatic does a proper job, and with quick tap of the right foot, drops back through the gears and gets you going.​

The 2020 Cherokee range starts with the Sport, powered by a 130kW/229Nm 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine which consumes a combined 8.5 litres of fuel per 100km. Next in line, is the Limited which features a 3.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6 producing 200kW and 315Nm. This engine consumes 9.8L/100km on the combined cycle in Longitude and (S)-Limited trim, while the Trailhawk steps up to 10.2L/100km.

The four-cylinder Sport comes with a 1500kg braked towing capacity, while the V6 Cherokee models offer 2200kg braked (with a maximum down ball weight of 200kg and 220kg respectively).

LIVEABILITY

When it comes to liveability, the Cherokee puts up a very good account for itself. Interior fit and finish, along with the premium feel throughout the cabin, is sublime. The materials used throughout the cabin feel robust and premium, with a second row that is comfortable for adults, including rear air vents and a centre armrest with two cupholders. There is even room for their luggage, as the Cherokee boosts 781 litres of cargo capacity.  An added bonus is a full-sized spare wheel that is beneath the cargo floor​.

Key features include cloth seat trim, manual adjustment for the front seats, manually controlled air conditioning, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, six-speaker audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear view camera, ‘premium wrapped’ steering wheel and gear shifter, LED headlights and an electric park brake.

Moving up to the Limited, adds the previously mentioned features along with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear park sensors, perpendicular and parallel park assist, fore-aft adjustable rear seat, LED fog lamps, and chrome window trim. Next to that, both the Limited and S-Limited have premium leather seat trim, eight-way adjustable power front seats, keyless entry, remote start function, 7.0-inch part-digital instrument display, 8.4-inch infotainment, satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control, powered tailgate, and premium Alpine audio with nine speakers and a subwoofer.

The more off-road capable Cherokee Trailhawk features combination fabric and premium vinyl trim with red accent stitching, all weather floor mats, 17-inch wheels and tyres, raised suspension, multi-mode lockable four-wheel drive with two-speed power transfer unit, additional underbody protection, high-clearance front and rear bumpers, front and rear recovery hooks and an anti-glare bonnet decal.

COST

The Jeep Cherokee Sport starts around mid to high-$30,000, and from there it’s up to you to choose however many options you want. You can step up to the Limited for just under $50k, or exchange the comfort for offroad capabilities in the Trailhawk, for the same price. It's more luxurious brother, the S-Limited, comes in at $2500 more. If you want to add some cash for the panoramic roof, you'll have to fork out an additional $2200. The Trailhawk Premium Package is about $3000, and includes black painted wheels, adjustable 2nd row seat, front seat heating and ventilation, alarm, leather seat trim, driver’s memory package and adaptive cruise control with stop & go.

Jeep offers the Cherokee (and it's entire range) with the 'There and Back' guarantee, which affords customers a five-year warranty, capped price servicing ($399 every 12 months, or 12,000 km for petrol/20,000km for diesel engines) and lifetime roadside assistance.

CONCLUSION

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is the best of both worlds. Whichever model you choose, you will get a sleek SUV, a comfortable family car, or a proper 4WD that is capable of taking you anywhere. Especially with the V6, you will get very sporty ride that won't get boring.