The 2021 Jeep Cherokee comes in Latitude, Latitude Plus, Latitude Lux, Limited, and Trailhawk trims. Three engines are available and both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available across all trim levels with the exception being the Trailhawk with standard AWD.
The base engine in the Cherokee is a 2.4L 4-cylinder unit that produces 180 horsepower. When mated to the standard 9-speed automatic with front-wheel drive, the Cherokee is capable of up to 31 mpg on the highway. The optional engine is a 3.2L 6-cylinder, which produces 271 horsepower. This engine features stop/start technology to help boost fuel economy and it is also mated to the same 9-speed transmission used in the 4-cylinder version. Finally, there is the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, with 270 horsepower and a whopping 295 foot-pounds of torque.
The Latitude trim includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored exterior mirrors and door handles, projector beam headlamps, roof rails and a rearview camera. The Latitude Plus adds to that with a 7-inch Uconnect radio featuring a color touch screen, SiriusXM radio, keyless go, leather inserts in the cloth seats, a leather steering wheel and an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat.
The Latitude Lux trim includes either of the optional engines, leather upholstery, and a power adjustable passenger seat.
The Trailhawk trim includes the 6-cylinder engine paired to a 4-wheel-drive system, with a locking differential for ultimate grip in low traction environments. It also has all terrain tires and a one-inch lift in the suspension. Interior amenities add exclusive seating with Nappa leather bolsters and red accent stitching, as well as a driver-configurable digital cluster display.
The luxurious Limited trim boasts 18-inch wheels, power liftgate, 10-speaker Alpine premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, leather seats, 8.4-inch touchscreen, an improved instrument cluster, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety features on the Cherokee include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, hill-start control and ten airbags. Optional safety features include park assist, a forward collision warning system and a roadside assistance button.
The Elite package offered on the Limited trim adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, hands-free liftgate, and navigation. The Trailer Tow package offers up a hitch, harness, and upgraded engine cooling. High Altitude sub-trim Cherokees add blackout exterior trim, with gloss black alloy wheels, badges, lower grille and roof rack.
Good Ground Clearance
Available All-wheel Drive
Roomy Interior
Well Equipped
Bold Styling
Excellent Value
Jeep has added a few key changes to its Cherokee for 2021. Newly standard active safety features include automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The base Latitude trim is now offered with heated exterior mirrors, and one-touch up/down front windows as standard. Trailhawk now adds a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start. The new 80th Anniversary Edition based on the Latitude LUX trim offers special badging and stitching and features such as 19-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof.
The Cherokee is a compact SUV competing with vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and the Honda CR-V. The 2021 model maintains the tradition of competitive pricing and strong off-road capability with newly standard active safety features to help give it a competitive edge. The Cherokee offers more aggressive off-roading equipment, such as a locking rear differential.
