2017 Jeep Cherokee 4×4 – Test Drive, Review Ratings, Specs

A Purebred SUV Well Executed

While the main herd are bought in on the idea of cross-overs focused for flat pavement, Jeep sticks to its rock-solid purebred off-road SUV grassroots at the luxury level. And part of that statement is justifiable by its best-in-class towing capacity, award-winning 3.0 liter diesel engine, legendary 4×4 drivetrain with Quadra-lift air suspensions and an array of amenity and safety tech features including its massive 8.4″ infotainment system, blue-ray DVD player more than 70 safety tech features

For  2017 are premium features offered in the Trailhawk model incuding both heated and cooled front seats covered with Nappa leather and 8-way power adjusted seats, heating steering wheel, power liftgate, Keyless Enter’N Go, remote start system and a universal remote garage door opener.  The Overland model also receives special treatment with heated and ventilated front seats, new steering wheel design with Zebrano high-gloss wood trim, Nappa seats, and standard Alpine audio system.

All models now come equipped with high-density discharge (HID) headlamps excluding the Sports model.

Available as part of the Cherokee Sport model is the best-in-class 3.2 liter V-6 engine with three choices of four-wheel-drive systems to choose from.  Part of the package also includes Jeep Selec-Train tracion control system with five customized modes that include Auto, Snow, Sport Sand/mud and Rock.  A less powerful engine altnernative is also available with the 2.4L Tigershark Multi-Air V4.

Fuel economy looks impressive as well. the 3.2 liter v-6 engine is capable of getting up to 31 miles per galon (mpg) o the highway and even comes equipped with engine start-stop technology.  The nine-speed automatic transmission and industry-first rear-axle disconnect technology in 4×4 mode also helps with improving fuel efficiency.

Good Looks on a Grand Scale

It’s a good looking car, but more importantly, the Cherokee is a big car. Combining the two elements is never an easy task, but the Cherokee does just that. Compared to its rivals, this one is larger in all three dimensions.

 

Exterior design remains up to date with modern times. The Bi-Xenon head lights outlined by LED’s help gives off a refreshing look while its trademark vertical 7 slot grille unmistakably remarks the legendary Jeep trademark.

No details are missed out in the rear either with slim-line LED front headlamps, sharp contours, and

Interior Spectacle

While not exactly a luxury brand per-se, but the quality of the interior space does not disappoint. Front seats are stitched with high-grade leather that are both very supportive and well cushioned. Rear seats deserve equal accolade that is also very supporting with the ability to recline.

Overall driver controls are well laid out. The instrument cluster is made up of a large LCD display with well-designed display graphics, and massive 8.4″ infotainment system. Down in the center console is the drive-train configuration allowing its drive mode to be configured in Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock or left in Auto mode. Equipped Qudra-Lift air suspension system and 4WD low ratio mode is also controlled here.

 

On and Off the Road

On the road, the Grand Cherokee is well behaved with excellent sound isolation within the cabin space.  Weighing in at the sub 2,200 lbs, the Cherokee is no lightweight, but the abundance of torque helps make it feel lighter than what it really is. T Steering is smooth, but feels a bit numb – that’s to be expected for a car at its size though.  A significant amount of effort was put into the design of the Cherokee to deliver a sportier ride that rivals the driving performance of cross-over SUV’s.  Acceleration from the V6 is plenty powerful and responsive, and there is confidence to be had around cornering with the Jeep Cherokee.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2017 Cherokee
• Model : Cherokee Limited
• Vehicle Type : SUV
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Powertrain Configuration : 4×4
• Engine : 3.2L Pentastar V6
• Transmission : 9 Speed Automatic
• Fuel Economy: 25/31 MPG city/highway

Pros

• Silky smooth ride
• Excellent quality of materials used in cabin space
• Quiet interior and rugged design
• Great fuel economy
• Awesome off-road and towing capability

Cons

• May be too excessive for daily use, but fuel economy helps.