2014 - 2023 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Review
Buyer's guide to the Jeep Cherokee Mk5: 2014 - 2023
Review
There's almost 50 years of history behind the Jeep Cherokee badge, but the fifth-generation model is quite far removed from the original that started out as a two-door version of the vast Wagoneer, then the Mk2 set a template for the SUV as we know it today. Later models became even more road-biased until the Mk5 covered here was more crossover SUV than proper 4x4.
Jeep has always had a strange position in the market, with models that competed with mainstream competition, but with a premium to pay for the Jeep badge on the nose. That means the last Cherokee could be considered a rival for the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq, Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4, but Jeep would like to see it as an alternative to the likes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport or even the Audi Q3 and BMW X1/X2. We'd say it's closer to the former in this regard, because while its models are well equipped, they aren't built to the same standard as the premium machines.
What's it like?
The Jeep Cherokee is a five-door compact SUV with a distinctive look, courtesy of its seven-bar grille and slender headlights. An update in 2019 introduced larger headlights and new infotainment tech inside.
There aren't many used Jeep Cherokees for sale, but those on offer are likely to be diesel powered. There are 2.0 CRD and 2.2 MultiJet options on offer, with the choice of six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic gearboxes for the former, or auto-only for the latter. Front- or four-wheel drive is also available, but Jeep fitted a clever decoupling system to the four-wheel-drive models to boost efficiency when only front-wheel drive is in use.
Find a petrol model, and it will be an off-road focused Trailhawk model, which features a 3.2-litre V6 engine, auto gearbox and four-wheel drive.
Which model to go for?
The best efficiency comes from a 2.0 CRD front-wheel-drive manual model, so we'd seek out one of those first. Four-wheel drive is handy to have, and that decoupling system does at least mean the Cherokee is still efficient when the system isn't in use.
All models are well equipped, so choosing a Longitude version won't be a bare-bones option, although Longitude Plus is obviously better equipped. Limited versions are packed with tech, while the Trailhawk features equipment that's designed to boost the Cherokee's off-road ability, but this comes at the expense of on-road comfort.
Does anything go wrong?
The Cherokee was one of the first cars to use a new nine-speed automatic gearbox developed by transmission specialist ZF, but there are known issues with this gearbox. Early cars built in 2014-2015 have had software updates to counter any problems, while a recall to replace a faulty control sensor has also been issued for this gearbox, too. Later post-facelift cars should be more dependable in this regard.
There have been nine other recalls for this generation of Cherokee, with issues on models surrounding seat fasteners, front driveshafts, headlamp levelling, power steering, brakes and differential.