I'm not one to judge a book by its cover. I've learned over the years that cars, like books, have much more beneath their sheet metal, and sometimes you just have to cover your eyes, reach for the door handle and hope for the best. Such was the case with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee I had recently.
Looking a bit like it had sucked on one too many lemons from the front, and like an old man with his pants pulled up to his armpits in the back; the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is no stunner, however, step inside and things actually start to look up (and much more appealing).
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What is a Jeep Cherokee?
Now in its fifth generation, the Jeep Cherokee is the compact SUV when compared to the Grand Cherokee. Available as a two-door until 2001, the Cherokee offered up a smaller footprint while still being as Jeep as one would expect, with 4x4 capabilities.
This latest iteration of the Jeep Cherokee features a unibody chassis and a transversely mounted engine.
2014 Jeep Cherokee Price and Specs
With seven different models available (unfortunately all sporting a near identical exterior look), the 2014 Jeep Cherokee starts at just a hair over $23k. The top-of-the-line Cherokee Limited 4x4 tips the price scale at $32,195 (base) and was my particular tester. While it may seem like a lofty amount of pennies, this particular Cherokee comes so well equipped as-is that the price is justified, trust me.
Across the lineup, two engines are available. The 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir I-4 delivers 184 horsepower. Then there's the 3.2L Pentastar VVT V6 that's good for 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. Both are coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Yup, nine gears.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee offers two towing weight capabilities based on engine choice; the Tigershark will see you tow up to 2,000lbs, while the Pentastar jumps to 4,500lbs.
Driving the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Once I got past the sourpuss front fascia and made my way into the driver's seat of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, I have to say it wasn't a horrible place to be. As far as driver comfort goes, I was very much at home in the Cherokee.
Where I did take issue with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee was in the transmission. First off, I'm fairly certain I never got anywhere near that 9th gear. Had I been traveling at 300 km/h or more, perhaps, but in general it seemed to keep in the middle gear range, or so that was my impression. Also, no matter the temperature (cool or artic-hell-cold), gear changes from 2nd to 3rd were far from pleasant. Choppy and clunky, it was not a pleasant feeling.
Reluctant gear changes aside, acceleration was smooth otherwise, and the 3.2L is pleasantly lively and responds well. Steering is also quick and connected for a compact SUV. Jeep's 4x4 system is great in the snow and slush. Of note: The 2014 Jeep Cherokee's new powertrain features a disconnecting rear axle for greater fuel efficiency -- an industry first.
What I found a bit much was the lane-departure system. I wasn't aware my particular tester was equipped with said technology and so was driving home in the wee hours of the morning, changing lanes on the highway without a turn signal (I was alone!). Each time I tried to change lanes I felt as if the steering was broken, stuck in molasses and not responding at all. It wasn't until the following morning that I discovered the 2014 Jeep Cherokee doesn't just warn you of a lane departure, it actually takes over and steers you back into the center of your lane.
Autonomous driving truly isn't far off, and systems like this one scare me just a bit.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Truthfully, there are no “correct” words to describe the outside look of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee save for: sour, squinty, grouchy, scowl, grumptastic... So, I'll just say it again: I really don't like the Cherokee's exterior look. However, that doesn't mean it's inherently ugly. That's the beauty with design; there's something out there for everyone's tastes and somewhere someone is totally in love with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee's look -- I've yet to cross paths with them, though.
Inside, the look of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is much more appealing and much less polarizing. My particular tester was decked out in chocolate brown and navy leather with chrome accents throughout; a great overall look that was both sophisticated and comfortable. Ergonomics in the 2014 Jeep Cherokee are spot on, and everything is well within reach.
There's not a huge amount of space in the back seats, but door openings and height are decent for baby-seat installation and getting a toddler in and out without too much trouble.
Comparing the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Perhaps the polarizing exterior looks of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee will help it excel in a segment that's growing almost too quickly to keep up with. The compact SUV is becoming ever more appealing and with the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and brand new Nissan Rogue, the Cherokee is up against some serious staples in the segment.
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