The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is one of the best off-roaders in the class of compact SUVs. While many rivals only offer one basic all-wheel-drive system, the Cherokee gives you the choice of multiple four-wheel-drive systems. Its cabin is also comfortable, adding a level of refinement to off-road adventures for drivers in greater Vancouver.
Jeep builds the new Cherokee in five different trim configurations: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland, and the off-road-focused Trailhawk.
Jeep Cherokee Model-Year Updates
A 2019 model-year facelift brings Jeep Cherokee a redesigned front fascia, a new hood and new fog lamps. The standard LED headlamps are thicker and less squinty. The cargo area grows three inches wider, boosting volume behind the rear seats by three cubic feet, to 28 cf. with the second row folded, cargo space remains unchanged, at 55 cf.
Both measures trail the class leaders. The Cherokee’s modestly updated cabin gets new casual storage space, including a handy cell-phone cubby. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, as is a 7-inch touchscreen (up from last year’s 5-inch screen). Upper trims get a 8.4-inch unit. Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment interface is one of the industry’s best.
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Turbocharged Four Joins Three-Engine Lineup in Jeep Cherokees
A new engine debuts this year. The turbocharged 270-horsepower 2.0-litre four joins two existing choices — a 180-hp four-cylinder and a 271-hp V-6. All engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds, the turbocharged four to 4000 pounds and the six to 4500 pounds.
The Trailhawk runs Jeep’s Active Drive II AWD system, which includes a two-speed Power Transfer Unit with torque management and simulated low-range gearing. The 4-Low mode locks the front and rear driveshafts for low-speed power or towing. A neutral state allows for flat-towing. Read more about Jeep Cherokee engines.
Uniquely Off-Road-Ready, On-Road Capable
Unique to the Trailhawk, Jeep Active Drive Lock adds a locking rear differential to enhance low-speed traction in severe conditions. Acute angles of approach and departure and a generous break-over point helps ease the Trailhawk over rocks and logs. A front skid-plate and other armor help protect vulnerable underbody components.
A bit larger and heavier than most competitors, the Jeep Cherokee feels stable and settled at speed. Despite the Trailhawk’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance and extended suspension travel, body lean is well controlled. Steering is nicely weighted and accurate. A good on-center groove minimizes the need for constant course corrections, a true blessing on a long drive.
Excellent Ride Quality; First-Rate Seats
Visibility is generally quite good, though a pair of thick A-pillars limits the driver’s forward view, a liability when improvising a route through big boulders. Ride quality is consistently good, as the suspension and chassis absorb the jolt of railroad crossings and broken pavement. Given its knobby 17-inch off-road tires, the Trailhawk cabin is less noisy at highway speeds than expected.
Seat quality of the Jeep is exceptional as it gives no sign of back pain or any of the other discomforts long hours in saddle can cause.
The new engine is a mixed bag. Its power band is deep and broad but it grows buzzy under acceleration. Calibrated to maximize fuel efficiency, the gearbox makes deliberate (read: slow) downshifts, which can be problematic in low-speed off-road conditions when immediate throttle responses are required.
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Conclusion
While the Jeep Cherokee remains a viable crossover for school drop-offs and shopping runs, it’s the available off-road capability that allows the Cherokee to truly separate itself from the pack. The styling may be softer, but the Cherokee retains its off-road grit. The 2019 design tweaks, new power plant, and reworked packaging are all welcome changes, even if a few areas still show room for improvement. Crucially, the availability of the robust Uconnect infotainment system and the Cherokee’s suite of active safety features means that buyers don’t have to make sacrifices in technological capability to get a rugged crossover, and now with the more traditional face of the 2019 Cherokee, they won’t have to compromise on the look anymore, either.
View all 2019 Jeep Cherokee models at Go Dodge Surrey
To book a Test Drive in a new Jeep Cherokee in Surrey, Vancouver or Richmond, call us at 604-590-8401 or visit the Go Dodge Surrey new car showroom at 6280 120th Street, Surrey, British Columbia, V3X 1Y7.
At Go Dodge Surrey, we have one of the largest selections of Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram and Fiat vehicles in Greater Vancouver – over 3,000 New and Used vehicles listed! We’re also part of the Go Auto Group of 40 dealerships with 24/7 Customer Service and Price Guarantees. We are here to help you! Contact us Go Dodge Surrey to get started on your new car buying experience.