WHAT’S NEW
The most significant change for 2018 Jeep Cherokees is not related to design, mechanics, or even technology, but to what FCA refers to as “realigned” trim levels. The base trim of the five varieties for 2018 is the Latitude. The Latitude Plus is a new trim that packages popular upgrades. The Cherokee Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawkeach have new standard features.
On December 19, 2017, FCA’s Jeep division released teaser photos of the 2019 Cherokee, promising a “new, authentic, and premium design” and additional fuel-efficient powertrain choices. Jeep also stated in a brief notice that the 2019 Cherokee will be formally introduced January 16, 2018, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Pricing, specific trim details, and availability dates for the 2019 Cherokee were not announced, but will likely be a few months after the January introduction.
ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS
All 2018 Cherokees have a nine-speed automatic transmission paired with either a 184-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 271-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine. The 2.4-liter engine is standard equipment on all but the Overland trim, which comes with the 3.2-liter V6. Two-wheel-drive is standard on four of the five trims, with three different four-wheel drive system options. The Trailhawk has four-wheel drive standard.
TECH FEATURES
For 2018, All Cherokee have antilock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, hill-start assist, keyless entry, rearview backup camera, and trailer sway control.
The Latitude with the Tech Connect Package, an option group for the base trim not to be confused with the new Latitude Plus trim, has an Amazon Alexa skill for voice-activated requests through an included Echo Dot. The Tech-Connect Package also adds an upgraded audio and connectivity system that includes navigation, plus an upgraded exterior with gloss black finishes and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
The Latitude Plus trim has an available SafetyTec Group option package that includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, ParkSense rear parking assistance, and power multifunction foldaway mirrors.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, and rear backup warning are standard on the Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims. Those three trims can also opt for the Technology Group option package, with Jeep’s full current suite of safety and driver-assistance features.
The Technology Group includes advanced brake assistance, full-speed forward collision warning with crash mitigation, LaneSense lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and parallel and perpendicular parking assistance, plus exterior mirrors with courtesy lights and turn signal indicators, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic headlamp high-beam control.
HOW TO CHOOSE A 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE
The five major trims in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee lineup include the Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk. The Latitude and Limited can each be ordered with the Altitude blackout appearance package for buyers who prefer blacked-out wheels and trim instead of the standard body color and chrome trims. Starting prices range from $24,395 for the 4×2 Cherokee Latitude to $37,340 for the 4×4 Overland.
When Digital Trends reviewed the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk, we were impressed by its outstanding off-road capability. The crossover, based on a Fiat car platform also used by Fiat, Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo, handled highway driving as well as it did rugged trails. When choosing a Cherokee, start with deciding on the respective levels of comfort, convenience, luxury, and off-road performance that matter to you based on the amount you want to spend.
