Introduction
The all-new 2018 Jeep Cherokee has a lot for the designers to be proud of. This vehicle has taken on some major upgrades this year that are going to make Jeep fans very happy. What was once one of the higher end models of the Cherokee - the Latitude - has now become the base model. From the new design and gadgets on the inside, the choice of engine options and the economic mpg that it is able to achieve on the road, The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is ready to make customers fall in love all over again.
The Cherokee no longer comes in a Sport trim. It has been completely discontinued. This may seem disappointing to fans of the Sport trim at first until they realize that the reason it was discontinued is simply that the higher model, the Latitude, is now the standard. That's right; the model that was better than the Sport trim is now the regular version of the Jeep Cherokee, which means all the standard equipment that comes with the vehicle has gone up. Features like the sleek styling, the great off-road capabilities, attractive cabin space, comfortable seating, cruise control, and parking assistance are all standard options that come with this great new vehicle. The quiet ride and the 8.4-inch touchscreen inside the cabin are also welcome new additions. All this at a very reasonable price range of $25,000-$35,000.
Engines
When it comes to the engine, buyers have two options. The base engine is a 4-cylinder 2.4-liter masterpiece that creates around 184 horsepower with 171 lb-ft of torque. This provides a smooth and economical ride, with EPA estimates coming in at 21 mpg in the city, and 25 mpg on the highway. Changing to all-wheel drive mode will change the highway mpg to 28.
For customers that need more power, the V6 option is available. The 3.2-liter V6 engine creates 271 horsepower along with 239 lb-ft. of torque and the EPA estimates its mileage at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, with all-wheel drive changing it to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Both engines are installed with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Features
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee comes in a variety of trims. Front-wheel drive comes standard on all models except the Trailhawk. All-wheel drive is offered as an additional customization option. The Active Drive II upgrade is available for the Limited, Latitude Plus, and Overland models. This upgrade gives the car an off-road suspension and low-range gearing, perfect for drivers who want to get the most from their vehicle. A special version of the Active Drive II is only available on the Trailhawk which adds a locking rear differential. This special feature comes standard on all Trailhawks.
Let's take a look at each of these unique models.
The Latitude starts at $25,490 and comes with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, LED daytime lights and taillights. Cruise control comes as standard. The Latitude offers a rear camera for perfect views. Adventurous owners will enjoy the hill-start assist, roof rails, and trailer sway control. This model has many high-tech features including a 5-inch touchscreen display, a 6-speaker audio system with an SD card reader, and Bluetooth connectivity. A Tech Connect package is available for the Latitude which includes an 8.4-inch screen and an Amazon Alexa device.
The Latitude Plus starting at $27,390 takes the Latitude to the next level by offering the Uconnect infotainment system as a standard feature. This includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Amazon Alexa and satellite radio. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has audio controls.
The Limited starts at $30,890. It includes a power driver's seat but not a power passenger seat. It has a 7-inch information display for drivers as well as a heated steering wheel and a self-dimming rearview mirror. The 2018 edition includes blind spot monitoring with cross-path detection and rear parking sensors, making parking in even the tightest spots a breeze.
The Trailhawk features a better all-wheel-drive system than the other models. It starts at $32,090. It contains fewer convenience features, like the power driver's seat, but does offer a few as extra-cost options. The Trailhawk has alloy wheels, an off-road suspension, and skid plates. It has front and rear tow hooks. The interior upholstery is available in cloth, vinyl, or leather. The Trailhawk, like the Limited, offers rear cross-path detection.
The Overland, starting at $35,190, is the most luxurious model. It features 18-inch polished alloy wheels and body-colored fasciae. It offers powered driver and passenger seats that are also ventilated and heated. The steering wheel has a wood trim and the instrument panel is wrapped in leather. This is truly the most lavish model.
A V6-powered Cherokee of any model can tow up to 4,500 pounds. These vehicles offer 24.6 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats up. When the rear seats are folded down, the storage space increases to 54.9 cubic feet.
Safety Features
The Jeep Cherokee for 2018 has stability control as a standard feature, along with nine airbags as well as four-wheel antilock disc brakes. All trim levels come with a rearview camera as standard. You can also opt for forward collision mitigation to keep track of traffic in front of you and apply brakes if a potential collision is imminent.
Four stars were given to this vehicle for overall performance in crash testing by the government, and there were also four stars for front collisions and five for those on the side. The IIHS rewarded it with a Good rating in most of its categories, which is the top rating it offers.
Driving Experience
At first look, you can see that the cabin is made out of quality material with lots of surfaces that are soft to the touch. You find yourself in a cab that is sophisticated. There is a user-friendly 8.4-inch touchscreen, for instance. It should be noted that the steering wheel does tilt upwards even at its lowest setting and you need to be certain you are comfortable with this when you test drive the 2018 Jeep Cherokee in Kansas City.
It has a powerful 4-cylinder engine. With the 3.2-liter V6 engine you get additional verve that doesn't guzzle too much fuel and this has a stop and start function. You hardly ever feel the nine-speed automatic transmission.
We do not have any reason to doubt Jeep's claim that its Trailhawk took on the famous Rubicon Trail, but on the paved road, it will impress just as much. This market segment often has a lot of road noise, but this vehicle is quieter than most and has a smooth ride even off-road. It has a car based platform so it handles well and feels secure.
These are just a few of the wonderful surprises the new 2018 Jeep Cherokee for sale in Kansas and Missouri has in store for customers this year. With everything it has to offer, it's sure to make a lot of Jeep fans very happy.
AdChoices