2023 Jeep Cherokee: Next Big Off-Road Adventure SUV Review
2023 Jeep Cherokee: If the Cherokee's friendly roll looks familiar, that's because Jeep's compact crossover hasn't changed much since its debut in 2014. Social Security has been a qualifier in car years.
While 2023 marks the final year for the current generation KL Cherokee, the latest, older Cherokee models get some new equipment under their aging sheet metal. As Jeep prepares to overtake the aging Cherokee, it has two trim levels and a new powertrain.
All-wheel drive is standard for this year across the Altitude Lux and Trailhawk offerings. Without the stripped-down base-level trim, the Cherokee's starting price is now significantly more than competitors like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Kia Sportage, but Jeep at least makes up for it in standard comfort.
A new 270-hp four-cylinder engine, offered exclusively for the 2023 Jeep Trailhawk, replaces the defunct V-6 and earns better fuel economy ratings. Not only does the Cherokee's smooth ride and plenty of driver assist make it highly competitive against newer, less expensive competition, but it delivers unparalleled reliable off-road capability—along with one of the most powerful brands in the SUV market.
Jeep is making serious changes to the trim levels and powertrain of the compact crossover 2023 Jeep Cherokee for the 2023 model year. Now available in just two models, the Altitude Lux and Trailhawk, the Cherokee completely ditches the previous Cherokee's standard front-wheel-drive platform, which had a significant impact. . at its initial price.
The 271-hp V-6 has also been ditched, replaced by a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four, available exclusively for the off-road-ready Trailhawk. Altitude Lux comes standard with leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start. The current Cherokee, which has been largely unchanged from the current-generation KL since it debuted in 2014, will end production in 2023.
While the Trailhawk model is the most expensive way to own a Cherokee, it's also the best way. Not only does the powerful, turbocharged four-cylinder engine have more towing power, but it also earns a higher EPA rating than the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter found in the Altitude Lux.
Not only does the Trailhawk feel tougher, but thanks to standard Jeep Active Drive Lock, which stiffens the drivetrain with a locked rear differential and a special traction mode for getting out of mud or rocky situations. The Trailhawk also has nearly an inch of additional ground clearance, more aggressive tires, and a larger infotainment screen.
2023 Jeep Cherokee MPG
The Cherokee has the worst fuel economy among the crossover and compact SUV segments, according to the EPA. The most fuel-efficient version comes with a 2.4-liter inline-four with 180 horsepower; It gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 highway.
The Trailhawk's burly 270-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four scored a lower performance, at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That's 2 mpg better, EPA city and highway, than the previously shown V-6-powered Trailhawk from last year.
We didn't use either version for our fuel-efficient 75-mph route. For more information on the Cherokee's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Interior
With a supportive seat and easy-to-use controls, the Cherokee's cabin feels comfortable. However, since the Cherokee is larger on the outside than many of its competitors, we wish it was more spacious on the inside. Small windows and high window sills contribute to the feeling of stuffiness.
The Cherokee's cargo space is smaller than most vehicles of this size, and the interior storage is mediocre at best. Rear loading is more difficult than in some of its competitors because of the Jeep's higher winch height.
In addition, its cargo space is much smaller than that of its main competitors such as the Ford Escape (34 cubes) and the Honda CR-V (39).
Information, entertainment and communication
The Jeep's available Uconnect infotainment system is the best in the business, with a well-curated menu and plenty of features. The standard touch screen measures 8.4 inches. Starting with the Latitude Plus, each model adds two USB ports in the back of the center console for rear-seat passengers to use.
Every Cherokee has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspots are available.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Payload
Maximum towing capacity for the 2023 Jeep Cherokee is 4,000 pounds for Trailhawk models with the optional Trailer Tow Kit. It's 500 pounds lighter than last year's V-6-engined Cherokee with a slight towing advantage.
This is still a huge advantage over competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. In fact, the Cherokee crossover has a higher tow rating than large SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Edge.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Engine, transmission and performance
The Jeep Cherokee uses a 180-hp 2.4-liter inline-four for the Altitude Lux trim, but gets the 270-hp 2.0-liter with 295 lb-ft of torque for its off-road offering, the Trailhawk. Both are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive.
Although we didn't test either powertrain, its roaring 2.0-liter engine is one horsepower less than the V-6 offered in last year's Cherokee. As you'd expect from a Jeep, the Cherokee's ride is solid and durable, making it feel larger than its competitors. Relatively firm suspension settings control body roll in turns without compromising ride quality.
Bumps are absorbed without too much over-reverberation, and the Jeep never feels like it's floating off the road. We wish the steering provided more feedback from the road, but it's subtle and precise.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Price
- Altitude Lux $39,290
- Trailhawk $42,890