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.
You don't have to buy a three-row crossover just to get a roomy interior. Take the 2017 Ford Edge, for instance. It'll fit your family of five with room to spare and still fit into your garage with ease. It also boasts the latest technology, a smooth ride and a wide range of engines. The 2017 Ford Edge is essentially unchanged from last year.
Pros Ride quality is smoother than many of its competitors Plenty of space for passengers and luggage Fuel-efficient and performance-oriented engines Many available tech and luxury features.
Cons Base engine may be too sluggish for some drivers Transmission is occasionally slow to react.
The 2017 Ford Edge skips third-row seats for better road manners, but it could stand a round of comfort and safety upgrades. Middle children don't always have it so rough. The Ford Edge was nothing a decade ago--it literally didn't exist until 2007. In just 10 years, it's become one of Ford's big hits, splitting the crossover lineup down the middle and giving well-heeled shoppers a way to spend almost fifty grand on a Ford that doesn't have a payload rating.
Pros Precise steering Focused Sport model Nicely detailed cabin Improved EcoBoost engine lineup
Cons No third-row seat Flat seat cushions Real-world mpg concerns
The 2017 Ford Edge ranks 6 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Ford Edge ranks near the top of our midsize SUV class because it has ample cabin room, high safety scores, and multiple powertrains that enable you to choose the model that best meets your needs.
Pros Sedanlike ride and handling Fuel-efficient base engine Strong engine lineup
Cons Some hard plastics detract from cabin appearance