The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is available in a total of 3 engine configurations with the base Latitude model getting the familiar 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. The base engine is not the most athletic and does seem to struggle on highway speeds. The next engine available is standard, a 3.2-liter V6 that generates 271 hp and 239 lb-fts of torque. It's way more power packed in response than the base trim and offers a quicker acceleration and better towing capacity as well.
For 2019, the Jeep Cherokee also gets an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 motor. With 294 ft-lbs of torque at its disposal, the new turbo four is a worthy upgrade over the base engine for those looking for a good punch without compromising on fuel economy. The turbo-4 and V6 engines are optionally available with the Latitude Plus and Limited Plus models while the range-topping "Overland" gets the V6 as standard. All the engines come mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission which is smooth and responsive in its business.
Models
|
Jeep Cherokee Latitude SUV
|
Volkswagen Tiguan S
|
Chevrolet Equinox L
|
Honda CR-V LX
|
MSRP
|
$25,190
|
$25,190
|
$24,795
|
$25,345
|
Engine
|
2.4-liter inline-4
|
2.0-liter turbo inline-4
|
1.5-liter turbo inline-4
|
2.4-liter inline-4
|
Transmission
|
9 Speed automatic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
6 Speed automatic
|
CVT
|
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)
|
180 @ 6400
|
184 @ 4400
|
170 @ 5600
|
184 @ 6400
|
Torque (ft-lbs @ rpm)
|
171 @ 4600
|
221 @ 1600
|
203 @ 2000
|
180 @ 3900
|
Among the competition here, all the rivals pack almost similar power with their base engines. However, the Jeep Cherkokee does have an edge over others with its optionally available V6 engine which pushes the power-output way beyond its rivals. The Chevrolet Equinox too has an optional 2.0-liter turbo pot but it just can catch up with the Jeep's V6.
Acceleration and Braking
More of a balanced daily driver, the Jeep Cherokee is no rapid sprinter for sure. However, it's not too shy either considering something of its size and class. With its standard 2.4-liter engine, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee races from 0-60 MPH in 7.6 seconds which is not bad at all. With the 3.2-liter V6 pot, the Cherokee does the same task in an even better 6.7 seconds.
Not the most spirited and the Cherokee's transmission is more on the relaxed and composed side. However, the strong mid-range does help this midsize SUV when squeezed harder. Despite being the heaviest among the competition here, the Jeep Cherokee is the quickest among the pack here. While the Volkswagen and Chevrolet are similarly quick, the Honda CR-V does the 0-60 MPH in a relaxing 9.1 seconds.
Models
|
Jeep Cherokee Latitude
|
Volkswagen Tiguan S
|
Chevrolet Equinox L
|
Honda CR-V LX
|
0-60 MPH (sec)
|
7.6
|
8.2
|
8.4
|
9.1
|
Quarter mile (sec)
|
16.0
|
16.7
|
16.3
|
16.0
|
Engine
|
2.4-liter inline-4
|
2.0-liter turbo inline-4
|
1.5-liter turbo inline-4
|
2.4-liter inline-4
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3655
|
3721
|
3274
|
3307
|
60-0 (feet)
|
128
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
115
|
The 2019 Cherokee also comes with a good set of brakes which perform better than most would expect them to. The brake pedal offers good response while not feeling much squishy and spongy in feel. It offers a linear stop to the vehicle and is good enough, but not the best in the market for sure. While the Cherokee takes 128 feet to stop from 60-0 MPH, the CR-V does the same in 115 feet.
Ride and Handling
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offers a pleasant ride experience even if it doesn't offer the most comfortable one. The suspension does a good job of absorbing smaller potholes and speed bumps with ease. The big potholes are where the Jeep's suspension fails to impress as the lack of damping in the suspension isn't enough to sustain those bumps. They translate into strong jolts that the passenger has to face making things a bit shaky inside.
In terms of the handling, the Cherokee surprises with its sporty handling. The steering wheel is neither very direct nor too mum and provides just the right amount of communication to the driver. Maneuvering and changing directions in the Cherokee is easy and the body roll is well controlled at high speeds or while changing directions. The chassis too feels poised and balanced at highway speeds despite its hefty weight.