Jeep Cherokee

The 2026 Cherokee is Jeep's first non-plug-in hybrid vehicle, offering an impressive manufacturer-estimated 37 mpg in combined fuel economy and the ability to go over 500 miles on one tank of fuel. A clever rear-axle disconnect in its standard four-wheel-drive system, which only powers the rear wheels if needed, helps the Cherokee stay frugal with its fuel consumption. A 210-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain with an electronic continuously variable transmission is standard on all models. Design-wise, it's a return to boxy form for the two-row SUV, which grows in all directions to feature 30 percent more cargo space than the previous generation. Jeep calls it a midsized rather than a compact SUV. Inside is a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, along with an infotainment system capable of downloading over-the-air updates.

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. For 2018, the Latitude becomes the base trim -- the Sport goes away -- and a Latitude Plus trim is added. Safety features such as blind spot warning, cross path detection and ParkSense rear backup warning become part of the available trim packages rather than being available only as part of add-on packages. A freshened 2019 Jeep Cherokee added a new 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and updated front-end styling. Updates for 2021 include standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. 2023 is the final year for the Cherokee.

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.