Rugged or Compromised? You Decide 2020 Jeep Cherokee
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Date: 2020-06-26
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Comments and reviews: 10
Andrew
Yea, so I have a 2019 Overland trim with the v6, let's talk about it.
It doesn't even get close to 22mpg combined. Best I can average is 20. 5. (15. 8gal 20. 5mpg, filling up around a quarter tank is roughly 250miles per tank)
The FWD standard mode still drives like 4WD is locked in when you try to accelerate from a stop with the wheel in full lock. The vibrations are noticeable and quite annoying.
Trying to pass on the highway is a no-go. Period. To get it to move, you have to wind this sucker out at WOT. But it gives up around 4500RPM, and just sounds loud and whiny.
Any highway speeds above 70mph with the stock 19 wheels and those Bridgestone Dueler H/L tires makes it sound like you're getting a cavity drilled.
The traction control system cuts power on speed bumps after the rear tires come off them. You have to let it coast for about a second before applying throttle. This is a known issue with no fix.
Having said that, it can take a bump like a boss. The suspension feels more stable and compliant than even my wife's '17 Grand Cherokee.
If the previous model before the refresh's transmission was poorly programmed and shifted weird, it must have been a nightmare because this one is brain damaged. At least a second's worth of hesitation, it is constantly shifting on anything not completely flat terrain, (and I live in TN, so that's all it does, and 9th gear doesn't even hit on mine till 90mph. But it's so loud at that speed from wind and tire noise that I'd really rather not. If the 2020 model has resolved that, I may try to get that TCM programming in my 20, 000 service along with getting the wheel turn vibration checked.
The interior is comfortable, but the steering wheel bottom sits approximately 2 inches from my crotch, and I'm 6'3 so the seat is backed up and as low as it can go, too. Granted, there is no steering wheel at all in my view of the road, and it's a nice view, but that is with it tilted as high as it will go.
The vented seats are nice. the AC is super strong, and cools off quickly. The window motors work well and fast. The infotainment works great, is snappy, and highly intuitive. Android Auto constantly disconnects, but I think it's a short in the USB plug in front of the shifter. It has a much taller and wider view out the back windows than most in the segment. The backup camera resolution looks like a first gen digital camera, on par with Mazda's. It handles night vision well though. The pano roof always stays open, the UV coat on it really cuts down on heat from the sun, and it really opens it up inside. The armrest on the console is already rattling at 16K miles.
The saddest part about this thing? NO AFTERMARKET FOR THE KL! You can't turn this thing into an even bigger off-road monster with steel bumpers, or any bumpers really. NO larger fuel tanks available, no real suspension kits that don't involve spacers which hurt ride quality, no aftermarket armor or rails for non-Trailhawk trims.
Also, on Jeep's website they are no longer offering the Overland Trim.
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Yea, so I have a 2019 Overland trim with the v6, let's talk about it.
It doesn't even get close to 22mpg combined. Best I can average is 20. 5. (15. 8gal 20. 5mpg, filling up around a quarter tank is roughly 250miles per tank)
The FWD standard mode still drives like 4WD is locked in when you try to accelerate from a stop with the wheel in full lock. The vibrations are noticeable and quite annoying.
Trying to pass on the highway is a no-go. Period. To get it to move, you have to wind this sucker out at WOT. But it gives up around 4500RPM, and just sounds loud and whiny.
Any highway speeds above 70mph with the stock 19 wheels and those Bridgestone Dueler H/L tires makes it sound like you're getting a cavity drilled.
The traction control system cuts power on speed bumps after the rear tires come off them. You have to let it coast for about a second before applying throttle. This is a known issue with no fix.
Having said that, it can take a bump like a boss. The suspension feels more stable and compliant than even my wife's '17 Grand Cherokee.
If the previous model before the refresh's transmission was poorly programmed and shifted weird, it must have been a nightmare because this one is brain damaged. At least a second's worth of hesitation, it is constantly shifting on anything not completely flat terrain, (and I live in TN, so that's all it does, and 9th gear doesn't even hit on mine till 90mph. But it's so loud at that speed from wind and tire noise that I'd really rather not. If the 2020 model has resolved that, I may try to get that TCM programming in my 20, 000 service along with getting the wheel turn vibration checked.
The interior is comfortable, but the steering wheel bottom sits approximately 2 inches from my crotch, and I'm 6'3 so the seat is backed up and as low as it can go, too. Granted, there is no steering wheel at all in my view of the road, and it's a nice view, but that is with it tilted as high as it will go.
The vented seats are nice. the AC is super strong, and cools off quickly. The window motors work well and fast. The infotainment works great, is snappy, and highly intuitive. Android Auto constantly disconnects, but I think it's a short in the USB plug in front of the shifter. It has a much taller and wider view out the back windows than most in the segment. The backup camera resolution looks like a first gen digital camera, on par with Mazda's. It handles night vision well though. The pano roof always stays open, the UV coat on it really cuts down on heat from the sun, and it really opens it up inside. The armrest on the console is already rattling at 16K miles.
The saddest part about this thing? NO AFTERMARKET FOR THE KL! You can't turn this thing into an even bigger off-road monster with steel bumpers, or any bumpers really. NO larger fuel tanks available, no real suspension kits that don't involve spacers which hurt ride quality, no aftermarket armor or rails for non-Trailhawk trims.
Also, on Jeep's website they are no longer offering the Overland Trim.
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James
Excellent review as always, Alex.
Personal story on the current Cherokee. In April of 2018 we leased a 19 for my wife. She liked the new headlight design and April was basically the first month they hit lots in our area (Western New York. We leased a Limited with the V6, adding the luxury group and pano roof. We wanted the advanced safety group, but none were in our area at that time. 2 year lease. We mostly enjoyed it, no major issues, could get 30 on the highway, 21-22 in mixed. V6 enough power. Last fall I started keeping an eye on local inventory, within 150 miles of our zip code. Almost NEVER did a model show up of any trim that was ordered with the advanced safety group, the one you need for adaptive cruise. This was before the pandemic hit. Over the final few months, none were available at all. We ended up moving to a different vehicle instead as a result, we really wanted adaptive cruise as we have it in my F150. I'm glad your tester had it, but i found it ridiculous that it was basically impossible to get one with features that are now standard on many competitors over such a long period of time.
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Excellent review as always, Alex.
Personal story on the current Cherokee. In April of 2018 we leased a 19 for my wife. She liked the new headlight design and April was basically the first month they hit lots in our area (Western New York. We leased a Limited with the V6, adding the luxury group and pano roof. We wanted the advanced safety group, but none were in our area at that time. 2 year lease. We mostly enjoyed it, no major issues, could get 30 on the highway, 21-22 in mixed. V6 enough power. Last fall I started keeping an eye on local inventory, within 150 miles of our zip code. Almost NEVER did a model show up of any trim that was ordered with the advanced safety group, the one you need for adaptive cruise. This was before the pandemic hit. Over the final few months, none were available at all. We ended up moving to a different vehicle instead as a result, we really wanted adaptive cruise as we have it in my F150. I'm glad your tester had it, but i found it ridiculous that it was basically impossible to get one with features that are now standard on many competitors over such a long period of time.
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Huw
For some reason the Cherokee has been withdrawn from sale in the UK. It hasn't been available for the last two years at least. This is peculiar because it competes an a very buoyant sales sector, directly against the LR Discovery Sport and Evoque and often the C-RV and Mazda CX5. Forget the V6 petrol, nobody buys that engine in the UK. The Honda twin-turbo diesel is an inersting competitor because it was available with the exact same ZF 9 speed auto but with Honda's mapping. Other strong rivals here are the Korean two with their models. You could also include the Jaguar E-Pace which also weighs about the same as the Jeep. Most also have a maximum tow weight of at least as much as the Jeep. The Honda and Disco Sport have 4400lbs tow or more.
I was under the impression that the Cherokee sales were doing OK and growing, but no longer.
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For some reason the Cherokee has been withdrawn from sale in the UK. It hasn't been available for the last two years at least. This is peculiar because it competes an a very buoyant sales sector, directly against the LR Discovery Sport and Evoque and often the C-RV and Mazda CX5. Forget the V6 petrol, nobody buys that engine in the UK. The Honda twin-turbo diesel is an inersting competitor because it was available with the exact same ZF 9 speed auto but with Honda's mapping. Other strong rivals here are the Korean two with their models. You could also include the Jaguar E-Pace which also weighs about the same as the Jeep. Most also have a maximum tow weight of at least as much as the Jeep. The Honda and Disco Sport have 4400lbs tow or more.
I was under the impression that the Cherokee sales were doing OK and growing, but no longer.
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Jason
It's so refreshing to hear an automotive reviewer who actually understands what the Jeep Cherokee is. No it doesn't get the best fuel economy in its class, nor does it have the most cargo space but it wasn't designed to. It is built differently. It's off-road capabilities require added strength which makes for more weight. If you want a fuel sipping SUV with great on road driving dynamics and never intend to go off road than a Jeep is not for you. I also agree Alex with your opinion of the new Ford Escape styling. I do not like it. Thanks for the great reviews and detailed information!
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It's so refreshing to hear an automotive reviewer who actually understands what the Jeep Cherokee is. No it doesn't get the best fuel economy in its class, nor does it have the most cargo space but it wasn't designed to. It is built differently. It's off-road capabilities require added strength which makes for more weight. If you want a fuel sipping SUV with great on road driving dynamics and never intend to go off road than a Jeep is not for you. I also agree Alex with your opinion of the new Ford Escape styling. I do not like it. Thanks for the great reviews and detailed information!
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680ecks
Ive been watching the ford because of the mechanical 4x4 and hybrid and i have a f150 to trade and ford made masks for us for the crisis. I dont much like how they look in pictures but ive been seeing them it person and they look much more substantial in size and the look is much better in person. I think i like them. I will wait till the small Broncos come out and will wait for the second year to see about reliability and so the prices come down. They are not listing the hybrids prices yet online.
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Ive been watching the ford because of the mechanical 4x4 and hybrid and i have a f150 to trade and ford made masks for us for the crisis. I dont much like how they look in pictures but ive been seeing them it person and they look much more substantial in size and the look is much better in person. I think i like them. I will wait till the small Broncos come out and will wait for the second year to see about reliability and so the prices come down. They are not listing the hybrids prices yet online.
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patisthebest2015
I was really hoping you would comment on how the amber turn signal uses the same space in the module as the brake light. You cannot see both a brake light and a turn signal in the same module at the same time. The light is either red OR amber. This is a major safety concern that is also present on the new Ram 1500 and Tesla Model X.
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I was really hoping you would comment on how the amber turn signal uses the same space in the module as the brake light. You cannot see both a brake light and a turn signal in the same module at the same time. The light is either red OR amber. This is a major safety concern that is also present on the new Ram 1500 and Tesla Model X.
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Eric
I owned a mazda cx-5 I sold it no power and not made for off road and bought a 2. 0 turbo trailhawk needed a more off roady suv the only two small suv's that still have 4-low is the jeep and toyota 4 runner, the toyotas where expensive and get 18 mpg and interiors suck, love my trailhawk lots of power and is great off road.
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I owned a mazda cx-5 I sold it no power and not made for off road and bought a 2. 0 turbo trailhawk needed a more off roady suv the only two small suv's that still have 4-low is the jeep and toyota 4 runner, the toyotas where expensive and get 18 mpg and interiors suck, love my trailhawk lots of power and is great off road.
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Mowcowbell
We've owned a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk V6 since we bought it new. I've taken it to the dealer exactly twice in 5 years to update the transmission software. Gas mileage has been in the low to mid 20's. Otherwise, it has been a very reliable vehicle. I don't get all the FCA bashing.
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We've owned a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk V6 since we bought it new. I've taken it to the dealer exactly twice in 5 years to update the transmission software. Gas mileage has been in the low to mid 20's. Otherwise, it has been a very reliable vehicle. I don't get all the FCA bashing.
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autos
Disappointing combined 22mpg for compact car in 2020. Also 72dB is not really quiet Alex.
This is a vehicle for rich deaf people who live on a farm without roads who wouldn t mind road noise and low mpg and would require locking diffs to get to their remote farm with no roads.
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Disappointing combined 22mpg for compact car in 2020. Also 72dB is not really quiet Alex.
This is a vehicle for rich deaf people who live on a farm without roads who wouldn t mind road noise and low mpg and would require locking diffs to get to their remote farm with no roads.
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Marcus
Alex, why not Subaru Forester and Outback for comparison? If you are comparing RAV4 and CRV, there has to be a Subaru included for a respectable comparison. Not for the first time, you have excluded this brand. Have they pissed you off somewhat pal?
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Alex, why not Subaru Forester and Outback for comparison? If you are comparing RAV4 and CRV, there has to be a Subaru included for a respectable comparison. Not for the first time, you have excluded this brand. Have they pissed you off somewhat pal?
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