Overview
The 2022 Jeep Cherokee is getting older, but it's still popular because of its lifestyle branding and off-road capabilities. Apart from the slightly smaller Jeep Compass and the Ford Bronco Sport, trail-ready versions of the Cherokee can go places most rivals cannot. It can also tow more than its peers thanks to a 4500-pound max towing capacity.
Although the Cherokee boasts a composed handling and smooth ride, it falls short in design and materials when compared to its class rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson. Additionally, the Jeep's engines are unimpressive. And while the 2022 model comes standard with several driver assists, it doesn't measure up to other manufacturers' models in overall desirability - just because it has a seven-slot grille does not make it so.
What's New for 2022?
For the upcoming year of 2022, Jeep plans to reduce the Cherokee's lineup to four specific trim levels. Among these is the newly introduced X model that includes unique exterior graphics and special seat inserts. Also, 1.0-inch suspension lift as well as chunkier all terrain tires come standard with the V-6 powertrain in this model..
The 2022 Cherokee comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio, which is a replacement for the 7.0-inch unit that was previously standard. The Latitude Lux model also has new features as standards that include a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, dual zone automatic climate control, 115 volts power outlet and more added in.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Cherokee comes with a standard 3.2-liter, 270 hp V-6 engine or an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder. Both engines are paired with a nine speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive or all wheel drive capability. We haven't yet test driven the turbo engine, but during our first experience we found it lackluster in comparison to the V-6 due to its less responsive throttle inputs; max tow capacity for the four cylinder is 4000 pounds as opposed to 4500 pounds for the V-6 model .
As you would expect, the Cherokee drives with a sense of heaviness and solidity, making it feel larger than its rivals. The suspension tuning is relatively firm which helps to control body roll in corners without compromising the ride quality. Impacts are absorbed without much excess reverberation, and the Jeep never feels floaty on the highway. We wish that steering provided more feedback from the road, but it's nicely weighted and accurate. A firm-feeling brake pedal engenders calm in panic-braking scenarios which is reassuring for drivers. Additionally, the Cherokee's 70-mph-to-zero emergency stopping performance iss average when compared to other vehicles in its class.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA and our own testing, the Cherokee has some of the poorest fuel economy in its category of compact crossovers and SUVs. The most frugal model features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets 23 mpg in city driving and 31 on highways.
We have not put the four-cylinder version of the Cherokee through our fuel economy testing yet, but its EPA estimates are only slightly higher than those for the V-6. Compared with the last Overland we tested, this latest version earned 1 mpg more on the highway—25 mpg in total. For more information about fuel economy ratings for this and other vehicles, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Cherokee's cabin is comfortable, with supportive seats and easy-to-use controls. However, because it is larger on the outside than many of its competitors, we'd expect it to feel more spacious on the inside. Small windows and high windowsills give a sense of confinement.
The Jeep Cherokee's storage area is below average compared to other vehicles its size. Additionally, it's more difficult to load items into the back of the Jeep than some of its competitors because of how high you have to lift them up. For example, the Ford Escape has 34 cubic feet while the Honda CR-V only has five less at 29 cubic feet.
Are new Jeep Cherokees reliable?
Is the Jeep Cherokee Reliable? The 2022 Jeep Cherokee has a predicted reliability score of 82 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Are there any problems with the Jeep Cherokee?
These models suffer from stuck gears, poor throttle response, and rough coasting. There were also incidents of delayed downshifting and erratic behavior that caused Jeeps to switch between gears unexpectedly. Complete transmission failure has also been reported as early as 70,000 miles.
Will the Jeep Cherokee change in 2022?
The 2022 Jeep Cherokee adds a new trim level called X that features off-road appearance tweaks. The base 2.4-liter inline-four is gone, and the starting price rises significantly, to $35,590 for either the X or the Latitude Lux.