Jeep Cherokee

The freshened Jeep Cherokee SUV adds a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine in addition to the base underpowered and thirsty 2.4-liter and the smoother 3.2-liter V6. But that new turbo engine suffers from a significant delay, particularly from a rolling start and the transmission is neither smooth nor responsive. We got 23 mpg overall with the new engine. Handling is cumbersome but the car remains under control when pushed. The ride is stiff and the coarse engine noise mars an otherwise quiet cabin. The rear seat is roomy, and controls are intuitive with the optional larger infotainment screen. Limited trims can be fitted with high-end amenities. The Trailhawk features off-road motifs mostly for looks. Available safety systems require buyers invest in an option package or step up a couple trim levels.

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.