The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is a 5 seater SUV available in two types of engines. The base models are equipped with the 2.4L 4 cylinder engine that is good for 184hp and 171lb.-ft of torque. Although this engine is a bit sluggish and noisy at times, it is an ideal city ride for daily commuters. It is also available with a 3.2L V6 engine in the higher models for a smooth and power-driven experience on all terrains and can churn out 271hp of power and 239lb.-ft of torque.
All the trims are equipped, except the Trailhawk, are equipped with a standard all-Wheel-Drive and an optional front-Wheel-Drive system with 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailhawk has only one driving option i.e., the all-wheel-drive, but is one of the topmost performers amongst the series. The towing capacity of 4,500lbs is one of the prominent capabilities of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. This sets up a very high parameter for its competitors. So now if you are planning camping or visiting the beach for water sports over the weekends, you can easily hook up your Jeep to your trailer or camper.
Models
|
Jeep Cherokee
|
Mazda CX-5
|
Honda CR-V
|
Volkswagen Tiguan
|
MSRP
|
$23,695
|
$24,045
|
$24,045
|
$24,995
|
Engine
|
2.4L 4 cyl
|
2.5L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder
|
2.4L I-4 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC
|
2.0L TSI DOHC Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
|
Transmission
|
9-speed Automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
CVT automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
Horsepower
|
184 hp @ 6400 rpm
|
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
|
184 hp @ 6400 rpm
|
200 hp @ 5100 rpm
|
Torque
|
171 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
|
185 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
|
180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
|
207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
|
Towing Capacity (lbs.)
|
4500
|
2000
|
1500
|
2200
|
The 2017 Honda CR-V manages almost similar power and torque outputs of 184hp and 180lb.-ft of torque and comes mated to a CVT transmission system. Both the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan offers the highest power and torque output in the segment of 200hp of power and 207lb.-ft of torque through its turbocharged engine.
How fast is the Jeep Cherokee?
The 4 cylinder engine of the base model takes time to pull the heavy body forward. This is the reason that the base model of the Cherokee has sluggish acceleration. The Jeep Cherokee takes 9.3 seconds to sprint from 0-60mph and 17 seconds to cross the quarter-mile, which is on the slower side of the spectrum if not the slowest among the competition.
Though the base model is not on par with its competitors in terms of acceleration, the higher models with the V6 engine are capable of providing it with very high and smooth acceleration.
Model
|
Jeep Cherokee
|
Mazda CX-5
|
Honda CR-V
|
Volkswagen Tiguan
|
0-60 MPH
|
9.3 sec
|
7.7sec
|
8.0 sec
|
8.3 sec
|
Quarter mile
|
17.0 sec
|
16.0 sec
|
16.3 sec
|
16.3 sec
|
Engine
|
2.4L
|
2.5L
|
2.4L
|
2.0L
|
The Mazda CX-5 is the fastest among the competition reaching 60mph in 7.7 seconds and crossing the quarter-mile in 16 seconds followed by the CR-V that takes 8 seconds to reach 60mph. The Tiguan takes 8.3 seconds to achieve the same feat while both the Tiguan and the CR-V take 16.3 seconds to cross the quarter-mile mark.
How well does the Jeep Cherokee Ride and Handle?
The 2017 Cherokee comes with a Selec-Terrain system which operates on different modes such as Auto, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Snow depending on the terrain. This uses the brakes, traction and stability control, and engine management to get an optimal grip on the vehicle on all types of roads. Apart from that, the relatively firm suspension controls the body roll in each corner without compromising the quality ride.
How efficient are the brakes in the Jeep Cherokee?
The braking system of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee is quite rigid. It has a 13.0-inch front brake disc and an 11 inch rear brake disc. These help the driver to smoothly bring the vehicle to halt ease even in emergencies. The 2017 Jeep Cherokee stops from 60mph in a distance of 118 ft, which is an above-average braking distance in the segment.
Model
|
Jeep Cherokee
|
Mazda CX-5
|
Honda CR-V
|
Volkswagen Tiguan
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
13.0
|
11.7
|
11.1
|
12.3
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
11.0
|
11.9
|
10.2
|
11.1
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3655
|
3527
|
3307
|
3448
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
118
|
126
|
117
|
N/A
|
The Honda CR-V has the best braking distance of 117 ft, followed by the Jeep which stops at 118 ft, and the Mazda which takes a significantly more distance of 126 ft. to stop from 60mph. The Cherokee is the heaviest among the competition, weighing in at 3,655 lbs, followed by the Mazda with a curb weight of 3,655 lbs and the Tiguan weighing 3,448 lbs, while the CR-V is the lightest weighing just 3307 lbs which is a significant advantage over the others.