The Rundown
The Jeep Cherokee is one of Jeep’s mainstays, and has provided a more road friendly alternative to the Wrangler for the past few decades. This everpopular crossover is not just one of the better vehicles in its class, it's one of the few with any actual off-roading capability. The Jeep Cherokee lives up to the seven slot grille by being quite possibly the best off-roading vehicle in its class. This famed car has seen a few changes over the years, going from a serious, mountain ready, off-roading machine to a stately, classy crossover.
Unfortunately for fans of the older Cherokees, the modern version leaves a little to be desired. While the modern Cherokees may lack the off-roading prowess of their forebears, they excel as an on-road crossover that can have some really fun adventures, if not going as far off-road as a Wrangler. While getting a new Cherokee may not be an option on the table for everyone, this guide aims to help you learn more about Cherokee history and to figure out which years of vehicles are more suited to you and your needs. The seven slot grille does not disappoint, even when we look at the first generation from the turn of the century.
Third Generation 2002 – 2007
The third generation of Jeep Cherokees did not necessarily bear the name Cherokee in North America. The crossover used the name Jeep Liberty for this generation and the fourth generation. This was meant to help avoid confusion between the Liberty and Grand Cherokee models. The Liberty was still a true SUV for this and the following generation, having an SUV frame. The body is similar to many vehicles of the early 2000s that sought to go away from the boxiness of the 90s and the frame has more curves, while still retaining some of that famed Jeep boxiness.
Fourth Generation 2008 – 2013
Still using the Jeep Liberty pseudonym in North America, but wearing the Cherokee badge elsewhere, this vehicle returned to the boxiness of the 90s. The frame was more like what we associate the Cherokees of the 90s with, a spacious interior and more like an elongated Wrangler. Since the Liberty had the Patriot and Compass vehicles taking away from some of its sales, the Liberty focused on its SUV capability. Dropping the 4 cylinder engine, the Liberty only used a V-6 for a couple years of this generation.
Current generation 2014 – Present
The Jeep Cherokee name finally returned to North America and with it came a drastic change to the famous SUV. The true SUV build went away and we now have the modern crossover Cherokee that we have grown accustomed to. Competing with the likes of the RAV-4 and CR-V, this vehicle focused on its seven slot grille capability and off-roading prowess. The Trailhawk trim is the most off-road capable option of the Cherokee and offers more capability than its crossover competitors. The current Cherokee sits a bit lower than its predecessors and has improved gas mileage, in an effort to reduce costs due to current shipment problems, the 2023 model only has two trims.
Summary
The Jeep Cherokee went from a stately SUV, to a classy crossover. A great vehicle for day to day driving and one of the few that has off-roading capability. The interior is classy and comfortable, while the design does not go over-the-top. The Jeep Cherokee is one of the most famous vehicles in America and continues to be a mainstay for the company. Call us to check our available stock, or check the tab used to find our selection.