A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
3.4
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a rugged family SUV that can handle both school runs and weekend adventures? The Jeep Cherokee delivers American SUV capability with practical everyday usability. This mid size SUV combines impressive off road ability with comfortable on road manners, making it an appealing choice for families who want versatility. The Cherokee stands out from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage with its distinctive styling and genuine four wheel drive capability.
The Cherokee offers something different in the crowded family SUV market. While many competitors focus purely on road driving, the Cherokee maintains Jeep’s outdoor heritage with proper off road credentials. You get a spacious interior, decent boot space, and the confidence that comes with proven four wheel drive systems. The range includes both petrol and diesel engines, with automatic transmissions available across the lineup.
Whether you’re tackling muddy fields, towing a caravan, or simply navigating busy city streets, the Cherokee adapts to your needs. It’s particularly appealing if you value capability over fuel economy, though running costs are reasonable for the class. The Cherokee represents solid value for families who want an SUV that can genuinely go anywhere.
What's the Jeep Cherokee Like to Drive?
The Cherokee offers a choice of engines designed to balance power with reasonable efficiency. The 2.2-litre MultiJet diesel is the most popular choice, delivering around 200 horsepower with solid torque for towing and overtaking. It feels strong and refined, making light work of motorway cruising and hill climbing. For those preferring petrol, the 3.2-litre V6 provides smooth power delivery but comes with higher running costs.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.2L 4-cylinder MultiJet Diesel / 3.2L V6 Petrol
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Power Output
200 - 272 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.1 - 7.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 42 mpg
- Boot Space
- 520 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Cherokee?
Step inside the Cherokee and you’ll find a well-appointed cabin that blends American SUV character with modern convenience. The dashboard layout is logical and user-friendly, centred around the UConnect infotainment system with its clear touchscreen display. Material quality is generally good, with soft-touch surfaces where you’d expect them and solid build quality throughout. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long journeys, with plenty of adjustment range.
The Jeep Cherokee is a versatile mid-size SUV that excels in balancing rugged capability with everyday practicality. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers strong, refined performance for towing and highway cruising, while the interior offers commendable comfort and quality. Though running costs lean toward the higher side, its bold styling and adaptable character make it a compelling choice for families seeking adventure without sacrificing usability.
Is the Jeep Cherokee Expensive to Run?
As a substantial SUV with genuine 4×4 capability, the Cherokee’s running costs reflect its size and capability. The diesel engines are the most economical choice, achieving real-world fuel economy in the high 30s to low 40s MPG range. Insurance costs sit in moderate groups for the class, though they’ll be higher than smaller crossovers. The initial purchase price represents reasonable value considering the Cherokee’s capability and equipment levels.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Jeep Cherokee
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Nissan Qashqai
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £28,000 | £30,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.2L Diesel 200hp | 1.3L Petrol 140hp | 2.0L Diesel 150hp |
| Power | 200 bhp | 140 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 8.1 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 40 mpg | 45 mpg | 48 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 520 litres | 504 litres | 520 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Genuine 4WD, Trailhawk variants, Towing capability | CVT auto, ProPilot assist, Efficient engines | Premium interior, Advanced safety, Refined ride |
Jeep Cherokee Practicality & Boot Space
The Cherokee excels in practical family use with its generous 520-litre boot that easily accommodates weekly shopping, sports equipment, or holiday luggage. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split to create a flat loading floor, expanding cargo capacity significantly when needed. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find useful storage compartments for phones, drinks, and family essentials. The wide-opening rear doors make fitting child seats straightforward.
Bought our Cherokee two years ago and it’s been brilliant for our active family. Takes everything from school runs to camping trips in its stride. The boot space is excellent and it feels really solid and safe on the road.
The Jeep Cherokee occupies a unique position in the family SUV market by delivering authentic capability without sacrificing everyday usability. It combines Jeep’s legendary 4×4 heritage with modern comfort and technology, creating a vehicle that’s genuinely capable both on and off road. While it may not match some competitors for fuel efficiency, it excels in areas that matter for many families: space, capability, and versatility.