Jeep Cherokee

The Cherokee is too unrefined to be a contender among small SUVs. The best version is the 3.2-liter V6 in Limited trim. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is slow, and its 22 mpg overall is lousy for the class. The nine-speed automatic is not very responsive or refined. Handling is competent but short on agility, and the ride is jittery. The rear seat is roomy, and controls are intuitive with the 8.4-inch Uconnect system. Limited trims can be fitted with high-end amenities. The Trailhawk is capable off-road, and the V6's 4,500-pound towing capacity is impressive. Recent updates included stop-start on the V6, Siri Eyes Free, and the ability to customize the touch screen. Reliability has been below average.

This small SUV could be a contender, but the Dart-based Cherokee is underdeveloped and unrefined. If you have your heart set on one, get the 3.2-liter V6 in Limited trim. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is slow and gets lousy fuel economy for the class at just 22 mpg overall. The nine-speed automatic is not all that responsive or refined. Handling is competent, but short on agility and the ride is jittery. In Cherokee's favor, it's a quiet SUV with a comfortable backseat and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. Limited trims can be equipped with many high-end features. The Trailhawk is very capable off-road, and the V6 can tow an impressive 4,500 pounds.

The Cherokee was introduced in 1984 and changed little since. It drove like a truck-a harsh-riding, noisy vehicle with reasonable cargo room, but narrow seats that could comfortably accommodate only slender people. Handling was fine in normal driving. Look for a model equipped with Selec-Trac, a four-wheel-drive system you can use even on dry pavement. The 1997 model remained a trucklike vehicle with a choppy ride and noisy interior. By modern standards, cargo space is only so-so.