Jeep might rename the Cherokee again. Its larger sibling is more popular, and it sometimes causes confusion. The 2022 Jeep Cherokee might be the last appearance before the company launches Liberty again. The compact crossover is in the fifth generation. Previous two were called Liberty, while the first two were Cherokee. Another reason is a possible charge for the use of Native American names. We’ll see how Jeep is going to react.
The 2022 Jeep Cherokee will be unchanged, that is for sure. That is the second straight season, with the current model only introduced a variation of the Latitude trim level. A few options could be added and the fresh paintjob is always a good move. Three engines are available, as well as at least five trims. We still don’t know too much about a hybrid configuration. This should be one of the priorities for the FCA since the competition is way ahead in this segment.
2022 Jeep Cherokee Specs
Under the hood of the base 2022 Jeep Cherokee is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Even without a hybrid configuration, this is one of the most efficient crossovers in the market with 31 mpg. Still, this is the rate for the highway drive. In urban streets, the gas mileage drops to 24 mpg. All-wheel drive is optional and a nine-speed auto gearbox is a power router.
If you are looking for more energy, there are two options for an upgrade with similar outputs. A 3.2-liter V6 is still there. Jeep is not dropping the six-cylinder mill in the foreseeable future. It will create 270 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, which is perfect for off-road adventures when paired with Trailhawk package. The fuel economy is more than respectable for the V6, returning 24 mpg combined and 29 mpg on the highways. The same gearbox responds better in the combination with a larger unit.
Finally, engineers added a turbo-four to the portfolio of drivetrains. The powerplant uses the same transmission, which sends power to the front or all wheels. Total outputs are 270 hp and 295 lb-ft. Towing capacity is above the most compact crossovers, especially when a V6 is equipped. The 2022 Jeep Cherokee can haul 4,500 lbs, or 4k pounds with a turbo-four.
Trim Levels
The new crossover will carry over most of the options from its predecessor. Like every Jeep, the 2022 Cherokee is going to offer a wide palette of packages. The entry-level trim is Latitude. You will get a blind-spot monitoring system included in the bundle, as well as the cruise control. The highlights of the base model are 17-inch wheels and smartphone integration services.
Latitude Plus and Latitude Lux are the mid-range offer. Keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and steering wheel, wiper de-icer and satellite radio are the main upgrades over the standard Latitude. The Lux version is going to replace the cloth upholstery with upscale Nappa leather. Front seats are power-adjustable and a V6 engine is standard. The 80th Anniversary Edition is not going to be available anymore. However, the luxury offer comes with the 2022 Jeep Cherokee Limited. Power tailgate, dual-zone climate control, larger wheels, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance are advanced features not available at lower trims. The Trailhawk edition improves the off-road drive. All-terrain tires, off-road suspension, selectable crawl control, rock mode, drive lock for the rear axle, and skidplates will make a ride in the outskirts fun and enjoyable.
What’s Next for the 2022 Jeep Cherokee?
With the calls for renaming, we believe the new chapter is going to start after the 2022 Jeep Cherokee. There are several possibilities. The carmaker could bring back an old nameplate, Liberty, which was used during the second and the third generations. Well, if Cherokee is going to have problems with the name, then the same outcome expects the Grand Cherokee, the flagship model. The powerhouse will handle the problems in the right way, we are sure.
No matter how it is going to be called in the future, a few things must be changed. It is time for the next-gen crossover, since the current one dates back from 2013. A 10-year run is quite a long period for the compact segment. Plus, the Cherokee needs a hybrid drivetrain. The most popular vehicles in the class, Toyota Rav4, Ford Escape, and Honda CR-V, are using such configurations and their gas mileage is over 40 mpg.
2022 Jeep Cherokee Prices
The base Cherokee comes at a very reasonable price. You will pay $26,300 for the Latitude model. We expect the comeback of the Latitude Lux edition. A V6 and premium interior will cost around $5,000. Adventurers will have to splash at least $38,000 for the Trailhawk. But, the fun is guaranteed with this 4×4 compact crossover.