Jeep takes its Cherokee compact SUV upscale for 2017, with the addition of a number of new premium features and options.
Those include an Overland package added as an option midway through the 2016 model year, which for 2017 can be further augmented with a protection group of skidplates and a full-size spare tire, and a towing package that adds a wiring harness, transmission cooler, heavy-duty engine cooling and a full-size spare.
There's also a Leather Plus option group for Trailhawk models, and standard HID headlights for all trims except for the entry-level Sport.
A new Cherokee Altitude package builds on the base Sport model and adds niceties like a leather-trimmed steering wheel, backup camera and gloss black wheels and exterior trim. And a High Altitude package for the Limited trim adds those same black bits.
As before, Cherokee comes with a choice of two engines, starting with a 2.4L four-cylinder that makes 184 hp and 171 lb-ft, which can be optioned to a 3.2L Pentastar V6 rated for 271 hp ad 239 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, and three AWD systems are offered: Active Drive I is an option in all trims save Trailhawk, and Active Drive II can be added to North, Limited and Overland models. Active Drive Lock is standard in the Trailhawk model.
Fuel consumption estimates for FWD models range from 10.9/7.7 L/100 km (city/highway) with the four-cylinder to 11.4/8.1 with the V6, and AWD ratings go from 11.3/8.3 for a four-cylinder with Active Drive I to 12.5/8.9 L/100 km for a V6 model with Active Drive II.
The range begins with the Sport model, which comes with air conditioning, 3.5-inch in-cluster customizable display, cloth seats, Uconnect infotainment with five-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB ports, auxiliary input, 17-inch steel wheels, chrome grille surround, LED daytime running lights and taillights, halogen headlights, electric parking brake, keyless entry, full-length floor console, and an overhead console with sunglasses holder.
One step up is North trim, which adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, 115-volt power outlet, LED interior lighting, automatic bi-xenon HID headlights, body-colour side mirrors and door handles, bright side window moldings and side roof rails, privacy glass, fog lights, fold-flat front passenger seat with in-seat storage, leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, climate controls integrated into touchscreen, one-touch up/down power windows and satellite radio.
Limited models get 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, bright front and rear lower accents, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signal repeaters, heated front seats and steering wheel, 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, backup camera, remote engine start, Nappa leather-faced seats, 12-way power driver's seat with four-way lumbar, seven-inch customizable in-cluster display, garage door opener, windshield wiper de-icer and a cargo cover.
Trailhawk's focus is on off-road traction, and gets 17-inch all-terrain tires, Selec-Terrain traction control system, hill ascent and descent control, low-range gear with locking rear axle, heavy duty engine cooling, underbody skid plates, off-road suspension, transmission cooler, black headlight accents, accent-colour exterior trim, leather-trimmed shifter, cargo net, all-weather floor mats, exclusive cloth interior, backup camera and 8.4-inch infotainment display.
Finally, Overland trim adds acoustic windshield and front door glass, nine-speaker amplified stereo with subwoofer, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, body-colour fascias, wheel flares, sill molding and door cladding, bright front door sill scuff pads, cornering fog lights, heated leather-and-wood-trimmed steering wheel, leather-wrapped dashboard, memory driver's seat, power front passenger seat and tailgate, rear park assist, Berber floor mats, upgraded insulation, leather-faced heated and ventilated front seats and navigation.
Prices range from $27,445 to $45,345.
