After two generations being called Liberty, the Jeep Cherokee is back as the KL model. One of the best-selling compact crossovers is not going to bring serious updates for the next season. After the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, we will see the next-gen vehicle. The current design dates back from last year and the US carmaker will use this COVID-19 situation to test and develop a better model to compete against Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape.
The versatility of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee stands up and makes fans buy this model. There are a lot of other reasons why you should consider the crossover as one of the top priorities. For example, the Trailhawk edition for off-road adventures, or Limited as the high-end premium version.
The new 2021 Cherokee will definitely be overshadowed with its larger siblings. Wrangler is bringing a plug-in hybrid version, while the Grand Cherokee is going to introduce a three-row model. Plus, the FCA considers joining the full-size market. Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are likely options and FCA already announced these two models.
Why Buy 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has plenty of options to offer. It is one of the company’s most popular models in the world. In the US, it comes with a weak base engine. Still, a 2.4-liter unit delivers enough power for the compact segment. Additional options are making the Cherokee more attractive. There are V6 and turbo-four to enhance the ride for drivers looking for more power. A larger engine is capable to tow up to 7,000 pounds, which is one of the best records in the class. We can also add Cherokee’s cargo space, handling, and interior equipment, including the infotainment system.
Cons
The crossover is pretty attractive, but its design is somehow schemed. It is exactly what we expect from Jeep. Fuel economy is not the best and engineers have to work on it for the next-gen model. Upper trim levels are offering a lot, but also cost pretty expensive. If you are thinking about purchasing the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, have in mind its predecessors had a poor resale value. Since this is an outgoing model before the new generation, prices will drop additionally.
2021 Jeep Cherokee Specifications
A 2.4-liter, popular Tigershark engine, is producing 180 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque to front wheels. All-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy is 22/21 mpg in urban areas, which is not the best for this class. Highway ratings are better. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is a power router.
Optionally, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The transmission is working better with this, than the naturally-aspirated unit. The outputs are significantly higher – 270 hp and 295 lb-ft.
The largest unit in the lineup is a 3.2-liter V6. The carmaker didn’t use a 3.6-liter model for the compact model, but the existing displacement is good for 270 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. It is also capable to haul. The maximum towing capacity of the Cherokee is 7,000 pounds.
2021 Jeep Cherokee vs. Competition
The competition in the compact crossover class is more than tough. Trucks are achieving better sales records, but buyers are purchasing more small SUVs than pickups. At top of charts are Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V. Next season we expect Ford Escape above 400k sales with new hybrid and PHEV engines. Cherokee is also there and the company will see a peak in sales when the new generation arrives.
Cherokee will need a couple of things to become competitive with the best-sellers. The first one is a hybrid. All the abovementioned vehicles are offering better mileage and that is one of the reasons why buyers are taking them. The FCA is still developing such a drivetrain and we expect it to arrive with the new generation. Still, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is not going to be able to compete with these vehicles before this update.
2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is one of the best small SUVs for off-road driving. Engineers are equipping this model with a V6 engine and 270 ponies promise a lot of fun. But, the drivetrain needs more upgrades. Larger wheels are there, but all-terrain tires are making the Trailhawk model special. Plus, the off-road suspension will take you from different situations. Skidplate will protect the body and extend the lifespan of the Cherokee SUV. The Trailhawk is using only an AWD with the Selec-Terrain system and crawl control. The rear axle is lockable as well, and it also helps in tough roads.
Prices
The pricing for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee starts above $27,000 with a four-cylinder engine, which is above the most competitors. With not too many options, the cost will go over $30,000. The Traihawk model starts at $36,000 and ends in the low-$40k realm with all the upgrades. The new model will be out in the last quarter of 2020 and the next-gen vehicle will debut in mid-2021.