When Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, discontinued the Cherokee more than a few customers and dealerships were extremely disappointed. It nicely fit the gap between compact and full-sized sport utilities and came in enough different trim levels to satisfy a very wide customer base. It had a loyal following and proved that having Jeep capability didn’t mean breaking the bank or being able to pass a gas station. So here’s what to look for when buying a used Jeep Cherokee.
Used Jeep Cherokee 2014-2023 engine options and trims
Cherokees came in a large number of trim levels, all available (except for the TrailHawk) in front-wheel or four-wheel drive. From the entry level Sport, it moved upward in equipment and styling levels through North, Altitude, Limited, High Altitude, Trailhawk, and Overland. Engine choices were the 2.5 L four-cylinder multi-air or 3.2 L V6 (based on the 3.6 L Pentastar) and power flowed to either the front or all wheels via a 9-speedautomatic transmission. In 2019 the 2.4 L engine was replaced with a 2.0L turbo-charged power-plant. In its final year, 2023, only Altitude and Trailhawk levels were offered
Used Jeep Cherokee 2014-2023 price range
The Jeep Cherokee was on sale for nearly a decade and there are a wide range of used examples on sale. Depending on the model year, mileage and wear and tear, asking prices for these range from CDN $6,000 to CDN $34,000.
Jeep Cherokee 2014-2023 interior and practicality
The Cherokee’s short stature makes for easy ingress and exit. For an SUV the ride is quiet and backseat room is generous compared to competitors in this class. Updates for 2021 brought standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. Jeep’s infotainment system, while not as refined as others, delivers very few problems or complaints. Cargo space with the rear seats in use measures at just over 730L, a little lower than average for this class, but it’s well laid out and has a very manageable entry height. Fuel economy ratings range from 9.1L/100km combined for the 2.0L to 9.4L/100km for the 2.4L to 10.2L/100km for the 3.2L for front-wheel drive models. Add roughly 0.5L/100km for four-wheel drive Cherokees.
Problems in pre-owned Jeep Cherokee 2014-2023
Driveshaft hanger bearings were a weak spot on 4X4 Jeep Cherokee, bringing the need to replace the entire shaft when they failed. OEM units are priced at around $2000, but aftermarket shafts can be had for half that price. Also on four-wheel drive models the rear differentials had some gear and bearing issues requiring replacement, and to add to that expense, the axle shafts that fit into the differential are often impossible to remove on older models due to corrosion, meaning they get replaced too. Replacements with original factory units can run up to $5K. The symptom to look (or hear) for on a road-test is a low growling noise. Make sure the radio is off and listen carefully.
Jeep Cherokee 2014-2023 reliability
Even with spotless maintenance and repair records, the early years of the Cherokee (2014-2017), especially those with over 150K km may be a little expensive to keep on the road. Stick with the later model years. All engines and transmissions had a good track record for longevity but if you like a gearbox you can change the filter and fluid on, be warned the 9-speed automatics in the Cherokee are sealed for life with no availability of service parts.
Early model years from 2014 to 2019 had a fair few recalls. These were for a faulty cruise control system, the software shifting the gearbox into neutral, loose fasteners on the seats, faulty electrical system, airbags that deployed unexpectedly and the steering wheel gear breaking. Later models had fewer recalls.
Which pre-owned Jeep Cherokee should you buy?
Stick with the Trailhawk trim from 2021 and up. It offers the most bang for the buck, has all the safety features, and its 3.2L V6 is rated to tow 4500 lbs. Just remember to haggle hard.
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