The 2017 Jeep Cherokee still antes up considerable trail-riding talent, but other crossover SUVs do a better job of daily driving. The name is one of the oldest applied to a modern-day SUV, but the 2017 Jeep Cherokee is no Conestoga wagon. It's a thoroughly modern family wagon, recast from its hardcore sport-utility roots into something much broader, more capable in all sorts of conditions.
Pros Family-sized interior (albeit with no third row) Daring exterior Front seat comfort Quick enough with the base engine Strong active-safety set
Cons Exterior styling doesn't feel fully committed-to Numb steering Gas mileage okay but not excellent Transmission woes come and go
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee ranks 13 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Jeep Cherokee combines an upscale and spacious cabin with good off-road capability. Although you can find a smoother ride and larger cabin in competitors like the Honda CR-V or Ford Escape, the Cherokee’s off-road capability means it strikes a pretty rare balance in this class.
Pros Premium-quality cabin Spacious and comfortable seating Great off-road capability with 4WD option
Cons Sluggish base engine Below-average fuel economy Small cargo space
The 2017 Cherokee gets only minor equipment revisions, including standard xenon headlights on every trim but the base Sport. This is also the first full year for the top-of-the-line Overland trim that was introduced in mid-2016.
Pros Available V6 engine provides smooth and assertive power Absorbent suspension smooths out rough surfaces Capable and user-friendly 8.4-inch touchscreen on many models Trailhawk offers unique off-road capability for a small crossover.
Cons Sluggish acceleration with four-cylinder engine Less cargo capacity than other small crossovers.
The 2017 BMW X6 started the coupe-like SUV trend, and keeps above the fold with potent powertrains.We know what the BMW X6 is not: It's not a coupe. It's not an SUV. It's not even really much of a family car. We also know that it's not alone. Since it showed up nearly a decade ago, the X6 has been copied by Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and others. Even BMW sells an smaller version of the X6, the X4, and reportedly a smaller X2 is in the works.
Pros Stylish body V-8 is compelling in its performance Functional rear seat New touchscreen
Cons A $6,000 premium over the X5 Ride is a little harsh Not an off-roader and not a super sedan
For 2017, the BMW X6 gets an updated iDrive system with touchscreen technology. The Premium and Executive option packages also now include wireless cellphone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Pros Powerful engines Agile dynamics Comfortable and quiet ride Top-quality interior with comfortable front seats and ample storage.
Cons Small cargo area Poor rearward visibility Limited rear headroom Rear seats don't recline Priced higher than many other luxury SUVs.
The 2017 BMW X6 ranks 15 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 BMW X6 sits around the middle of our luxury midsize SUV rankings. Its stellar performance credentials keep it from falling too close to the bottom, but it doesn't have enough positives to elevate it above middling.
Pros Powerful engine choices Sporty handling Upscale interior Intuitive infotainment
Cons Small back seat Minimal cargo room High price